Plum teacher facing new witness intimidation charge after emails sent to alleged victim

PITTSBURGH — New charges were filed Monday against one of the Plum High School teachers accused of having a sexual relationship with a student.

On Monday, Channel 11 News obtained documents from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office alleging that Joseph Ruggieri violated a court order not to contact the victim in an attempt to convince her not to testify.

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According to the court papers, Ruggieri sent his victim cryptic emails from two different email accounts, including one named amishcheese@mail.com. Channel 11's Joe Holden reported that at least one of the emails had a link to a song with lyrics about pulling someone close and running away.

Prosecutors claimed the song lyrics were an inconspicuous attempt by Ruggieri to talk to his teenage victim out of testifying against him.

According to the police paperwork, Ruggieri allegedly used a computer belonging to the Plum School District to contact the alleged victim. Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic reported that the alleged contact was made less than a month after Ruggieri was first arrested for witness intimidation in March.

Authorities said tracking software was in place on the computer that enabled them to determine Ruggieri's online movements.

In a written statement to Channel 11 News, Plum Area School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool said the district was aware that Ruggieri was still in possession of a school laptop.

"Yes, we were aware Mr. Ruggieri was in possession of his district issued laptop," Glasspool wrote. "Please understand the district is completely cooperating with the police investigation(s). We discussed Mr. Ruggieri's laptop with the police several months ago. We assisted the police in late May with specifics that may have led to today's arrest."

Paperwork also indicates that the alleged victim received a phone call from an unknown number from a caller named Joey.

In addition to Ruggieri, two other teachers are also implicated in connection to the sprawling teacher-sex scandal.

Prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing. Glasspool maintained that the school district is cooperating. 

Meanwhile, Ruggieri was arraigned Monday evening and had his bail set at $75,000 straight cash.  

According to web dockets, his preliminary hearing for the newest witness intimidation charge is set for July 8.

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