Rock Hill Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Girls Granted Bond

A high school wrestling coach accused of sexually assaulting two students is still in jail although his bond has now been set.

Eyewitness News was in the courtroom as 36-year old Ira Bernard Durham appeared before a judge early Wednesday.

Durham is the head wrestling coach at Rock Hill High School and a hall of fame wrestler himself. He was arrested on May 9 and charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct and three counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

Police reports accuse Durham of cornering two female students on campus at different times and sexually assaulting them.

One student came forward to sheriff's deputies on the day of the alleged incident; another then came forward and reported an earlier incident.

Family members and friends filled the courtroom in support of Durham, who does not have a serious criminal record.

Members of his wrestling team said they were shocked that he was being accused of such a horrible crime. Rock Hill High School students saw him as a role model who cared about children.

Tyvonne Dunham is a member of the Rock Hill High wrestling team.

"I was shocked,” he said. “I didn't believe it because I didn't think he was that kind of person, and I still don't believe it."

A judge granted Durham a bond of $100,000. He was ordered to stay away from the accusers and their families, to wear a Global Positioning System monitor and he will be under house arrest.

Durham's mother told the court that he would stay with her and find a job.

RELATED STORY: Rock Hill High Wrestling Coach Charged With Sex Crimes