Hearing Set For Ice Hockey Coach Accused of Molesting Boy In Mt. Airy
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Ukrainian hockey coach arrested a few weeks ago on charges of sexually molesting a boy attending his camps here in the US will remain locked up until a detention hearing next week.
Ivan Pravilov now faces a two-count federal indictment. A grand jury alleges the 49-year-old Pravilov fondled a 14-year-old Ukrainian boy at an apartment in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia (see related story).
Pravilov's work involves bringing teenage hockey players from Eastern Europe to the US. They stay with host families, train, play in tournaments, and perhaps catch the eye of a college or NHL scout.
A second 14-year-old boy who allegedly witnessed the fondling incident reported it to his host family. The federal complaint says that when Pravilov found out, he threatened the minor and struck him, at an Elkins Park ice rink.
Authorities are opposing bail for Pravilov. Federal prosecutor Michelle Morgan argues that with no extradition policy with Ukraine, and his extensive contacts in Europe, he is a risk to flee.
The judge delayed the government's motion for pretrial detention until a hearing next week. The total maximum penalty the defendant faces, if convicted, is up to 40 years in prison.
