No Bail Reduction for Bill 'El Wingador' Simmons

Orange is a familiar color for Bill “El Wingador” Simmons, but Friday afternoon, he traded in a wing-sauce-stained T-shirt for county jail overalls .

Even after Simmons' attorney, David S. Bahuriak, who took over the case from tha court-appointed public defender, spoke at length about Simmons' charity work, family life and local ties, Judge Walter L. Marshall was unmoved. The wing king's bail held at $100,000 cash or bond.

Assistant Prosecutor Alec Gutierrez argued that Simmons is a flight risk because he faces significant jail time—as much as 20 years in prison on a first-degree cocaine distribution charge.

“I think $100,000 cash or bond is low,” Gutierrez said. “The state believes it's appropriately set.”

—enough, according to Gutierrez, to make 1,120 “street bags,” which could in turn be sold for $10 to $15 dollars apiece. The uncut cocaine was worth $8,000, police said, but Gutierrez pegged the dealing value at as much as $17,000.

Bahuriak argued that as a first-time offender, Simmons deserved a lower bail, and went on to describe the as a family man who supports his mother.

“He’s a big guy with a big personality and a big heart.” said Bahuriak after the hearing.

In contrast to his gregarious Wing Bowl persona, Simmons was stoic in the courtroom and only exchanged a few words with his attorney during the six-minute bail hearing.

Bahuriak also cited the many times Simmons had helped raise money for various charities from breast cancer to autism.

“He used his celebrity not to make himself rich, but actually for local charities,” said Bahuriak.

Bahuriak explained to the judge that Simmons’ mother was willing to put up her home as collateral for bail and that his father, who lives in Florida, was willing to contribute some money, yet with all that, it would still be nearly impossible to reach $100,000 in cash.

Bahuriak said Simmons is very remorseful and ashamed that he's tarnished his reputation. He insisted Simmons would go as far as to turn in his passport if it meant reducing the bail.

“This isn’t a guy who is clamoring to get out of jail,” said Bahuriak.