Ukrainian Hockey Coach Indicted on Sex Charges in Pa.

If convicted Pravilov faces up to 40 years in prison, a $500,000 fine

A Ukrainian hockey coach was indicted Thursday on charges that he fondled a teen attending clinics in Philadelphia.

Ivan Pravilov, a mentor to several NHL and college players including former Flyer (an current New Jersey Devil) Dainius Zubrus, was taken into custody after his arrest last week.

On Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced that Pravilov, 49, was charged with traveling for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and transporting a person to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Federal authorities will seek detention at a hearing Friday. They say Pravilov threatened a teenage witness and has no local ties.

A recent book by former player Maxim Starchenko describes the coach as physically, mentally and sexually abusive.

Authorities say the Pravilov took a 14-year-old Ukrainian boy to his Philadelphia apartment this month for sexual purposes. The boy was staying with a family in Wilmington, Del.

Pravilov's hockey school takes young players to camps and tournaments throughout the U.S.

His public defender did not immediately return a call seeking comment Thursday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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