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Homecoming pep rally held at K. M. Smith

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Throwback Thursday: Students attend Encore Music Camp at Wilkes University

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; A teacher <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/595819/wilkes-barre-area-teacher-soccer-coach-charged-with-sexual-assault" target="_blank">accused of having a sexual relationship with a student</a> is headed to higher court on charges.</p><p>Robert J. Havard Jr., 36, of Ridgewood Road, Wilkes-Barre, was scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Thomas Malloy Sr. Thursday.</p><p>Court documents indicate the hearing was cancelled, and Havard waived his three charges of corruption of minors to higher court.</p><p>Havard is a former Coughlin High School teacher and former head boys soccer coach, He most previously worked as a teacher at Solomon-Plains Elementary School.</p><p>Wilkes-Barre Area School District Solicitor Ray Wendolowski said Havard, hired in August 2005, has been suspended, effective Oct. 11. Wendolowski said Thursday Havard waived his Loudermill hearing, and is currently suspended without pay.</p><p>Havard is scheduled for a formal arraignment at the Luzerne County Courthouse for 10 a.m. on Jan. 5. He is free on $50,000 bail.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Robert J. Havard Jr., 36, of Plains, is escorted away from his preliminary arraignment at Magisterial District Judge Thomas Malloy Jr.'s office on Oct. 11. Travis Kellar | Times Leader</div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_IMG_3622-12.jpg</photo0><caption0>Robert J. Havard Jr., 36, of Plains, is escorted away from his preliminary arraignment at Magisterial District Judge Thomas Malloy Jr.'s office on Oct. 11. Travis Kellar | Times Leader</caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Travis Kellar</p><p>tkellar@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Travis Kellar at 570-991-6389 or on Twitter @TLNews</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Suspended Wilkes-Barre Area teacher, soccer coach headed to higher court on corruption of minors charges