Charges Against Former Shipley Squash Coach, Accused of Sex with Teen Student, Waived to County Court

James Civello, the former squash coach there, waived his Thursday morning preliminary hearing.

Civello, 50, of Upper Black Eddy, Pa., is charged with one count of corruption of minors and one count of endangering the welfare of children.

The alleged victim told police the sexual relationship with Civello, her squash coach, began April 7 at , 31 Morton Road. She said they also had sex once at the Haverford Train Station and four or five times at the girl’s residence in Lower Merion, according to the criminal complaint.

Both charges were waived up into Montgomery County court, where his formal arraignment will take place Sept. 7. Civello's bail was reduced from $100,000 cash to $100,000 with the ability to post 10 percent bond.

Until he makes bail, Civello was told he is being put in the general population, about which he said he is scared.

Civello arrived at his 10 a.m. Thursday preliminary hearing at District Justice Kathleen M. Valentine's Ardmore courtroom without a lawyer. Civello was told he needs to get a public defender before his formal arraignment.

Though news media covering the hearing were told Civello would be exiting at the back of the building, reporters observed a Lower Merion police officer exit there, get in his car and drive around to the front of the building. The officer had left with Civello by the time reporters arrived at the front of the building.

Stay tuned for more details.