Coach faces more charges

The charges were added to the dozens he already faced although a handful from the original case were also dropped. If convicted of even the original charges, he faces up to 25 years in prison plus mandatory registration as a sex offender.

After investigating claims by three girls that arose after Giordano's arrest, prosecutors decided one of the three cases should be charged. Another fell outside the statute of limitations for prosecution but can still be used at trial, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Between 1991 and 1994, Giordano began a relationship with a 14-year-old student he coached, according to prosecutors. Giordano reportedly hired the girl to baby-sit his then-young son and seduced the girl into weekly sexual liaisons. Even after the affair ended when the girl turned 17, Giordano remained close friends with her parents, according to prosecutors.

The victim, now 28 and married, reported the relationship to authorities only in 2005 after beginning therapy. Sexual assault cases typically have a 10-year statute of limitations but a special penal code exists for adults who report being abused as a minor. Prosecutors have a one-year deadline to file charges once the abuse is reported to authorities.

Giordano has been employed by the Palo Alto School District since 1978 and taught physical education to sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Jordan Middle School since 1991. He also coaches volleyball and track. The district placed Giordano on administrative leave pending resolution of his case.

Giordano has been in custody in lieu of $1 million bail since his arrest. He returns to court Sept. 23 for a bail reduction hearing followed by a preliminary hearing Oct. 26.