Burrell assistant coach accused of sex with swimmer

A man who was a Burrell High School assistant swim coach last winter is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old female swimmer.

Raymond M. Novak, 30, of Seventh Street Road, Upper Burrell, was formally charged Tuesday morning.

Westmoreland County detectives are accusing Novak of having sex with the girl several times a week either before or after swim practice at the high school.

Authorities say Novak's first inappropriate contact was last Dec. 28. In addition to the incidents at the high school, Novak is accused of sexual encounters with the girl in her home in February, and in his car in March.

During the alleged incident in her home, the head coach at the time called Novak because he was late for practice. Detectives said Novak drove to practice with the girl.

Detectives said they were contacted by the girl in April. They confronted Novak with the allegations in May.

According to detectives, Novak said he had driven the girl to swim practice once in February and drove her home once in March but he denied any sexual contact with her.

Last week detectives obtained phone records for the case and filed charges.

Novak is accused of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, criminal use of a telephone, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec set a $30,000 percentage bond and Novak was released after paying $3,000 pending a preliminary hearing.

Burrell School District officials didn't return calls or e-mail requesting comment.