UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- A Fayette County T-ball coach accused of hiring an 8-year-old to attack an autistic teammate for $25 will go to trial instead of pleading guilty.

Mark Downs, 27, of Dunbar, turned down a plea deal on Thursday that would have allowed a judge to decide the sentence.

Downs is charged with criminal solicitation to commit aggravated assault, corruption of minors and recklessly endangering another person.

The trial is scheduled for May.