NEW ULM — Through his attorney, accused New Ulm police officer Eric Gramentz waived a preliminary hearing Friday in Brown County District Court, and requested an omnibus hearing to cover all pretrial issues.

Gramentz, 42, 826 S. Payne St. in New Ulm, was arrested for probable cause April 4. Unconditional bail was set at $500,000, $300,000 with conditions, or $40,000 cash.

On Friday, Mankato attorney Patrick J. Casey requested waiving Gramentz’s initial court appearance in Brown County District Court. Gramentz, a New Ulm Police investigator, faces felony first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

Gramentz remained in Brown County Jail custody as of Tuesday afternoon. Bail conditions include no contact with victim(s), no unsupervised contact with persons under age 18, and a domestic no-contact order.

In requesting the hearing waiver, Casey requested Brown County Court Administration enter a not guilty plea and set the matter for an omnibus hearing. That hearing was not scheduled as of Monday afternoon.

In an April 8 videoconference hearing, Gramentz asked for a public defender. The request was denied because Gramentz does not qualify for a public defender.

Gramentz is currently on leave from employment with New Ulm. In his position, he was responsible for investigating crimes, documenting investigation details and providing courtroom testimony.

New Ulm Police Cmdr. Dean Barstad said since Gramentz was placed on leave, the police department has shared his responsibilities with personnel with experience in his duties.

Barstad said no permanent personnel changes have been made at this time.

Brown County Chief Deputy Jeremy Reed said the active criminal investigation is being handled by the sheriff’s office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

Brown County Attorney Charles Hanson said last week that he asked Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar to act as special prosecutor in the case, which he agreed to do.