Karate instructor waives hearing on accusations

The attorney for a North Versailles karate instructor accused of sexually assaulting several students said there was no reason to hold a preliminary hearing Friday on a second set of accusations that he tried to have witnesses against him murdered.

Richard Narvin, a courtappointed attorney for Michael Scherbanic, 29, of South Park, said authorities had recorded evidence against his client.

“There's no legal advantage, (so) we waived it,” Mr. Narvin said.

Mr. Scherbanic was charged March 22 with multiple counts of solicitation to commit homicide, solicitation to commit retaliation, solicitation to commit perjury, and solicitation to obstruct a child abuse investigation.

He was charged in June 2016 in the sexual assault cases and has been held for trial.