Former Teacher Accused of Rape Appears in Court BUFFALO (wned) - A former teacher at the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart remains in the Erie County Holding Center after he waived his right to a felony hearing Thursday in Amherst Town Court.

James Van Valkinburgh faces seven-counts of third-degree statutory rape for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old student at the all girls Catholic school.

Defense lawyer Paul Bender says the court appearance was quick.

"The matter has been waived in terms of the felony hearing that was to be conducted today. It's being presented directly to the Grand Jury," Bender said.

Van Valkinburgh is being held on $100,000 bail set by Town Justice Geoffrey Klein.

He was fired by the school on October 25 after an investigation. © Copyright 2010, wned