Julie Farby - All Headline News Staff Editor

Mont-De-Marsan, France (AHN)-Christophe Fauviau appeared in court in the town of Mont-de-Marsan in southwestern France on charges of unintentionally causing a death by administering toxic substances.The 46-year-old Fauviau, whose 15-year-old daughter Valentine is considered a rising star of French tennis, is accused of drugging his children's opponents 27 times in tournaments across France from 2000 to 2003.Prosecutors say evidence shows Fauviau drugged 21 opponents of Valentine and six others faced by his son, Maxime - using the anti-anxiety drug Temesta, whose side-effects include drowsiness.

In the investigation, all of those opponents complained of various ills during the matches: weak knees, dizziness, nausea or fainting. Several were hospitalized.

Fauviau is a former helicopter pilot instructor for the French army, and has been in custody pending trial since his arrest in August 2003. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The verdict is expected March 10.