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Teacher accused of having sex with student facing new intimidation charge

PLUM, Pa. — A Plum High School teacher who was arrested and charged with having sex with a student last month was charged Friday with intimidating the alleged victim, according to a criminal complaint.

An arrest warrant was issued Joseph Ruggieri. As of 9 p.m., he was not in police custody.

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The complaints states that 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.

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.

Plum School District parents told Channel 11 that this new charge is like déjà vu.

"The bond should be so high that they can't get out,” said parent Seth Lavadnuk.

Ruggieri’s 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.

Once Ruggieri is in custody, he’ll be back behind bars, joining Cooper who is also in jail until his preliminary hearing in April.

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