Plum H.S. Teacher Takes Stand In Intimidation Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Plum High School teacher accused of intimidating a witness testified at his own trial today.

Drew Zoldak allegedly intimidated a female student who accused another teacher of having sex with her.

When several students asked Zoldak why he was absent one day, he allegedly pointed the victim out and replied, "it was because of her."

Friday in court, Zoldak testified that he never called out the girl in class and that he told students, "I was being interviewed by two men in suits."

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He also stated that there was not much direction on how to address what had happened.

"The evidence showed that he did nothing inappropriate," said attorney Al Lindsay.

Once Zoldak's testimony ended, the prosecution and defense rested.

The judge sent the jury home and announced that closing arguments would be held on Monday.

Zoldak, who is suspended from the school, has denied knowingly trying to intimidate the student from testifying against Joseph Ruggieri. Earlier this year, Ruggieri pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two to five years in prison for institutional sexual assault, a crime that makes it illegal for teachers to have sex with students, regardless of their ages.