Uncle Kracker Arrested...

A judge reduced the bond of singer Matthew Shafer, also known as Uncle Kracker, from $5 million to $75,000. Shafer was arrested Friday at his Cary hotel on a sex charge.

Shafer, a platinum record-selling country-rock-rap artist, was arrested at the Embassy Suites on a charge of second-degree forcible sex offense at about 4:45 a.m., police said.

A 26-year-old woman approached an off-duty officer at the Ess Lounge, at 326 W. Davie St. in Raleigh, saying Shafer committed a sex act against her while she was inside the establishment, police said. Shafer and the woman were not acquaintances, police said.

According to the state statute, second-degree forcible sexual offense involves sexual acts, which do not include vaginal intercourse, with a person by force and against the will of the other person, or with a person who the perpetrator knows is mentally disabled, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless.

Cary police detained Shafer at the hotel until Raleigh officers arrived to serve the arrest warrant.

According to the conditions of release order filed by a Wake County magistrate, Shafer told arresting officers that he would immediately fly back to Michigan to avoid charges. The order also states Shafer has "major assets at his disposal" and the court considers him to be an "exceptionally high flight risk."

But a $5 million bond is outside the guidelines for a Class C felony like the charge against Shafer, a judge ruled. The bond should have been between $50,000 and $200,000.

The bond was set at $75,000 with the stipulation that Shafer have no contact with the accuser.

Shafer, known for hits like "Follow Me," and "When the Sun Goes Down," his duet with country star Kenny Chensey, was in Raleigh Thursday night appearing at the Downtown Depot Party.

His next court date is set for Sept. 24.