MASON COUNTY — A preliminary hearing has been scheduled this week for a substitute teacher accused of becoming inappropriately involved with one of his students at Hannan Junior/Senior High School.

James P. Hadinger, 43, Gallipolis Ferry, is slated to appear for his preliminary hearing at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 28 in front of Mason County Magistrate Cheryl Miller Ross. Preliminary hearings determine if there is, or is not, probable cause to send the case on to further proceedings in Mason County Circuit Court.

Last week, Hadinger was charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or person in a position of trust to a child. Magistrate Gail Roush set his bond at $200,000 — $100,000 for each count. Since his arrest, Hadinger was transported to the Western Regional Jail, where he remained at press time on Monday.

The criminal complaint filed in Mason County Magistrate Court alleges Hadinger, who has been a substitute teacher at Hannan Junior/Senior High School over the last several weeks, became involved with a female student. On Feb. 12, the complaint states Hadinger and the minor traveled to Hannan Junior/Senior High School to watch a basketball game. Hadinger and the minor then reportedly left the game early with Hadinger driving to an abandoned house on Ball Chapel Rd. in Ashton where Hadinger engaged in sexual contact with the minor, according to the complaint.

A written confession was reportedly obtained from Hadinger, according to the complaint, though it should be noted he has not yet had a preliminary hearing at this point and has not entered a formal plea to the charges.

Hadinger’s employment as a substitute teacher for the 2012-13 school year was approved on July 24, 2012 by the Mason County Board of Education. Hadinger was also approved on Nov. 13, 2012, as the seventh grade girls’ basketball coach, at Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School for the 2012-13 school year.