No bail for Ukrainian hockey coach charged with abuse

A Ukrainian youth hockey coach facing sexual abuse charges in Philadelphia today agreed to remain in federal custody until trial.

Ivan Pravilov, 49, is accused of molesting a 14-year old boy shortly after the New Year in an apartment in the Mt. Airy section of the city.

He is charged with one count of travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and one count of transporting a person to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to a federal indictment.

The alleged incident is said to have occurred after Pravilov and the Ukrainian teen traveled from Delaware to Pennsylvania.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Morgan, who is prosecuting the case, was pleased with Pravilov’s decision. Her office believed Pravilov was a flight risk given that he is in the U.S. on a work visa.

“It’s the best possible outcome for us,” she said after Wednesday’s bail hearing.

Senior Trial Counsel Mark Wilson with the Federal Community Defender Office, who is representing Pravilov, would not comment on his client’s decision.

“We are going to challenge the charges,” said Wilson.

Pravilov last week pleaded not guilty to both federal counts. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.