The trial of the former Cobleskill-Richmondville assistant girls’ basketball coach who allegedly inappropriately touched two players in November 2006 could start in early May.
Gregory Morra, 51, a Loudonville dentist, was arrested on January 12, 2007 and has been accused of touching one of the girls on November 12, 2006 and the other three days later, said Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket.
Richmondville Town Justice Herbert Needleman has dropped two charges against Mr. Morra, but the former coach still faces three charges: two of endangering the welfare of a child and one of third-degree sexual abuse, a Class B misdemeanor, Mr. Sacket said.
The justice has dropped a charge of forcible touching, Mr. Sacket said, and another endangering charge because it was a duplicate.
Mr. Morra’s attorney, Mr. Sacket said, has asked for two separate trials and that the case be moved out of local court.
Mr. Sacket opposes separate trials and moving the case out of local court.
The case was heard in Richmondville court Thursday to resolve some legal issues, Mr. Sacket said, and is due back in court on March 21 for further motions by the defense. The DA will then have until March 28 to answer those motions.
The tentative trial dates are May 5 and 6, though Mr. Sacket said that it may not go to court until later in the year.
The May dates are “really up in the air,” he said. “They are tentative at best but possible.”
Mr. Sacket is certain that the matter will go to trial.
“I do not foresee a plea,” he said Friday. “This matter’s headed for trial.
“The victims are anxious for their day in court. They understand what it’s all about.”