School coach to stand trial for student rape

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.

After a preliminary hearing on Monday, a /*Ventura County*/ judge decided that there was sufficient evidence to order Christopher Atkinson, 24, to trial.

Atkinson faces felony counts of rape by use of drugs and oral copulation by anesthesia or controlled substance. He is also charged with the misdemeanor of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to authorities, Atkinson met the student at school, and the two continued their relationship off campus through MySpace.

The student testified on Monday that she agreed to "hang out" with Atkinson and met him at his Thousand Oaks apartment, where they drank alcohol together. She said she woke up as he was sexually assaulting her.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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