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By the Salina Journal

A Salina pastor's immigration status will not be an issue if he is found not guilty of 40 counts alleging inappropriate sexual contact with a teenaged girl, and Wednesday his request for a bond reduction again was denied, his attorney said.

Attorney Roger Falk, who represents Birger Draget, said he contacted officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine what the consequences would be of an expired visa for Draget, a Norwegian citizen who has lived in the United States for 21 years.

Falk said he was informed that the expired visa would be equivalent to an expired driver's license, and Draget could have the visa renewed after favorable conclusion of his case. The visa expired Aug. 8.

If Draget is convicted, after he has served his prison sentence, he would be subject to immediate deportation to Norway without a hearing, Falk said.

Also at a pretrial hearing Wednesday, Draget signed a waiver to his right to a speedy trial to give Falk additional time to prepare his case.

The case is set to go to trial July 16.

Twelve of the 40 counts against Draget, which include multiple counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, rape, and aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of criminal threat, would, under Jessica's Law, subject Draget to a sentence of life in prison if he is convicted.

The incidents, which authorities allege occurred between 2006 and 2011, all involve one young woman.

Draget was suspended from his job as pastor of Salina's Seventh-day Adventist Church after his arrest.

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