Watch CBS News

Lawyer Denies Claims Plum Resource Officer Knew Of Alleged Inappropriate Relationship In 2011

PLUM (KDKA) -- As the investigation continues into the Plum High School teacher-student sex scandal, a lawyer for the school's police officer is now disputing some school board claims.

While the blame game is underway, very little is being said about the eight alleged victims who may have had sexual relationships with teachers at Plum High School. And the School Board says it's doing everything it can to cooperate with the probe.

As to new allegations that a suspected inappropriate relationship was uncovered as far back as 2011, they say Plum Police Officer Mark Kost investigated it and found nothing wrong.

His lawyer says it's just not true.

"There may have been rumor or speculation, but no faculty, no administrator, no teacher, no principal made any type of comments to my client that would necessitate any type of investigation," said attorney Phil DiLucente.

It's just the opposite of what the school board's lawyer says.

"Our school resource officer was made aware by administrators of this entire matter," Plum School District Solicitor Lee Price said. "And the officer concluded there was no further action necessary and charges would not be appropriate."

"It's irresponsible to make statements such as that, when there's an investigation that's ongoing, and pointing fingers to someone when, in fact, there's no paperwork to document that Mr. Kost knew anything at any time," said DiLucente.

Jason Cooper and Joseph Ruggieri are charged with having alleged sexual relationships with students. A third teacher, Drew Zoldak, is charged with intimidating one of the alleged victims.

Meanwhile, a grand jury is looking at the possibility of eight victims at the high school.

"It does have sneaky reminders, and it has air of the Penn State scandal," said DiLucente.

While the blame continues, there's speculation about whether the grand jury will reach its findings by the start of the next school year.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.