SOUDERTON - A judge dismissed the most serious charge against a former Souderton Area High School wrestling coach accused of abusing several of his wrestlers, but has forwarded lesser charges to county court.

Souderton District Justice Kenneth Deatelhauser, after a two-hour preliminary hearing Wednesday, dismissed a charge of endangering the welfare of children in the case of Michael F. Salone, 33, of Telford.

The judge, however, determined there was enough evidence to try Salone on other misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment, and the case now goes to Montgomery County Court.

"This just reinforces our belief that, at the proper time, when Michael Salone has a chance to give his side of the story, all the charges will be dismissed," said Salone's attorney, Craig Kellerman. He said he plans to challenge the ruling on the other charges before his client's scheduled August arraignment in county court.

Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Todd Stephens said he was surprised by Deatelhauser's ruling, but it would have no effect on the case.

"Our goal in this case is to make sure that any other school district that considers hiring Salone is aware of his conduct with children," Stephens said.

Prosecutors allege that Salone engaged in a pattern of abuse as assistant coach and later head coach of the team between 2001 and 2003. Police said he used painful holds or techniques not permitted in organized wrestling matches and once punched a student in the stomach.