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EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A former houseparent at a Pennsylvania Catholic school who's accused of sexually assaulting two Chinese international students has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Twenty-eight-year-old John Bowman Thornberry, of Mills River, North Carolina, appeared in a Cambria County court on Tuesday. A judge reduced his bond to $100,000.
Thornberry was hired in 2014. He was removed in February from his job overseeing Chinese international students at Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg. One student said Thornberry fondled him. Another boy said he fought off a molestation attempt.
Authorities say Thornberry denied touching the students in a sexual manner during an interview with investigators. He faces charges including attempted indecent assault and institutional sexual assault.
Thornberry's attorney says the defense is looking forward to the resolution of the charges.
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