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Plum teacher turns himself in to face new charge

PLUM, Pa. — A Plum High School teacher who was arrested and charged with having sex with a student last month turned himself in Tuesday to face a new charge in connection with intimidating the alleged victim.

An arrest warrant was issued for Joseph Ruggieri last Friday. He turned himself into police Tuesday afternoon, and a judge revoked his bond.

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According to the new criminal complaint, the victim’s mother told police that Ruggieri, 40, contacted her daughter “several times” via FaceTime.

The woman’s daughter said Ruggieri directly asked her about statements she made to law enforcement and made the statements, "My livelihood will be ruined," and "My kid's life will be ruined,” according to the complaint. Ruggieri also allegedly told her, “I miss you.”

Additionally, the victim told police that she did not know what to do and was afraid to notify authorities for fear that she may be in trouble.

Channel 11's Gordon Loesch reported that Ruggieri's attorney told the judge Tuesday that his client didn't know who the victims or witnesses were and that is why he was contacting students. The judge said she was insulted by that claim and revoked his bond.

Investigators said they believe Ruggieri directly influenced the victim’s testimony, warranting the new intimidation of a witness charge.

Ruggieri was initially arrested on Feb. 17 and charged with institutional sexual assault.

His arrest last month came less than a week after fellow high school teacher Jason Cooper was arrested and charged with having sex with a student.

Cooper, 38, is charged with institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors and furnishing alcohol to minors. He was also charged with witness intimidation for contacting the alleged victim and talking with her about her pending testimony.

Cooper remains in jail until his preliminary hearing in April.

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