Charles Burch, 52, of Bellwood, and Timothy Andrekovich, 59, of Tipton, were charged in mid-January “for their role in failing to adequately protect students after being notified of an investigation into sexual assault allegations against the junior high wrestling coach, Ryan Blazier,” according to a release from the Office of Attorney General.

Blazier was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to decades in prison in June 2023.

Burch is facing one felony count of intimidating a witness/victim – refrain from reporting for “threatening a student victim of Blazier’s if the victim told anyone about the allegations,” the release and court documents stated.

Andrekovich is facing one felony count of endangering the welfare of children – parent/guardian/other commits offense “for failing to adequately carry out a safety plan during the investigation into Blazier’s sexual assaults, allowing Blazier to have continued unsupervised access to students,” according to the release and court documents.

One victim testified during the hearing that the coaches allegedly threatened him if he told anyone about the abuse, according to WJAC.

“I was scared to tell anyone,” the victim said.

Following the testimony, presiding Magisterial District Judge Carmine W. Prestia Jr. said that if he had been in the school officials’ situation, he would have “locked doors and fired people,” WJAC reported.

Both Burch and Andrekovich are free on $50,000 unsecured bond. Court documents list State College based attorney Lance T. Marshall as representing Andrekovich, while no attorney has been listed for Burch.

Burch and Andrekovich were the district’s athletic director and head varsity wrestling coach, respectively, at the time of the offenses, according to the release.

“As school district employees, these defendants were trusted by students, parents, and the community to protect, educate, and mentor young people,” said Attorney Michelle General Henry. “Instead, they were notified of abuse allegations and failed to take adequate measures to protect the students for whom they were responsible.”

Bellwood-Antis Superintendent Edward DiSabato previously reported that John Garritano had been named interim athletic director in Burch’s absence until a permanent replacement could be found. Burch is still listed as athletic director on the district’s website, although his photograph and information have been removed, and Garritano is listed as assistant athletic director.

Andrekovich resigned as wrestling coach in April 2021.

Both men are scheduled for formal arraignments on March 8.