Judge pulls bond of teacher in student-sex intimidation case
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania high school teacher awaiting trial on charges he had sex with a student and previously intimidated the girl by contacting her must remain jailed for again phoning and emailing the girl despite a court order, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Defense attorney Randall Ricciuti argued that the new messages didn't contain anything intimidating, despite the latest witness intimidation charge police filed Tuesday.
The email messages described in the new charge indicate Ruggieri referenced a favorite song of the girl, and wrote a story that police contend contained 48 veiled references to their relationship, her decision to attend college across the country, and her continued cooperation with authorities.