Former Avella Junior-Senior High School basketball coach Joe Johnson waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday and will stand trial on charges including unlawful conduct with a minor.

Bail for Mr. Johnson, who was also a substitute teacher in the Washington County school district, was reduced from $100,000 to $25,000.

Mr. Johnson, 33, of Hickory, was arrested Oct. 20 on the grounds of Avella Elementary Center after police in Barrett, Monroe County, tracked him for several months as he engaged in sexual online conversations with an officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. He also sent an explicit photograph of himself to the officer.

He is no longer employed with the Avella district.