SAULT STE. MARIE, ON -- Mark Petaccio, one of three Soo Greyhounds players charged with sexually assaulting a woman, was released from custody following a bail hearing Monday.

Justice of the Peace Jill Morris released the 18-year-old American citizen on his own recognizance on $1,500 bail (a $500 cash deposit and $1,000 no deposit).
Assistant Crown attorney Karen Pritchard consented to the release.

Publication bans, requested by the Crown and defence counsel Don Orazietti, prohibit reporting any evidence, representations made, any reasons given or any information that may identify the complainant.

Petaccio, who is from Sicklerville, N.J., wept after his handcuffs were removed and he hugged his parents in the basement hallway of the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse.

His bail has a number of conditions including no communication with the complainant and a requirement that he notify city police 24 hours in advance of any change of address.

He can have no communication or association with his co-accused, Nick Cousins and Andrew Fritsch, outside of working business for the Greyhound organization.

Petaccio will return to court Oct. 1, the same day as Cousins and Fritsch, who were released from custody after they were charged.

He was held for bail court because of his American citizenship. Cousins, 19, of Belleville, ON, and Fritsch, 19, of Brantford, Ont., are also charged with sexual assault.

City police say the alleged assault occurred Friday at a central-area residence.