Trials Ordered for Ex-School Officials Accused of Theft

Two former suburban Philadelphia school district officials have been ordered to stand trial on theft charges stemming from a text-messaging scandal.

The Daily Local News of West Chester reports that all charges against former Coatesville Area School District athletic director James Donato were held for trial following a preliminary hearing Friday in Chester County. Earlier in the week, all but four counts were upheld against former Coatesville superintendent Richard Como.

Prosecutors allege that Donato used his position to schedule "off the books" events and pocketed the money, and Como took money meant to pay for school football rings and was reimbursed for fraudulent expenses.

Both resigned in September 2013 amid allegations that they had exchanged racist and sexist texts. Prosecutors said the messages also prompted a financial inquiry.