HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A Hopewell High School science teacher has been ordered to stand trial for allegedly exchanging inappropriate text messages with a female student.

According to investigators, the girl claims 37-year-old Joseph Rubino sent her text messages of a sexual nature and also asked for pictures of her.

The alleged victim says Rubino also touched her inappropriately.

Rubino’s attorney, however, said evidence will show that that was not the case.

“It’s a little frustrating for my client for him to tell his story. Unfortunately, he has to wait till trial to be able to do that, so in July at that point,” said Steven Valsamidis, the defense attorney. “That’s a frustrating process for him not being able to say anything to respond.”

The alleged incidents went on from the student’s sophomore year until she was a senior. She turned 18 last September.

Rubino is facing a number of sex-related charges.

He has been on unpaid leave from the Hopewell School District since last September.

His trial is set to begin in July.

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