Hopewell Teacher Accused Of 'Sexting' With Student Turns In Self
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – Knowing that a warrant had been issued for his arrest, a Hopewell High School teacher turned himself in to authorities Wednesday, arriving at Beaver County District Court with his attorney for his arraignment.
Joseph Rubino, 37, a science teacher and baseball coach, faces charges from the Attorney General's Office that he allegedly sent numerous text messages of a sexual nature to a female student.
Authorities say the student also claims Rubino touched her inappropriately and allegedly asked her to send him pictures of her breasts and buttocks.
This allegedly went on from the student's sophomore year until she was a senior. She turned 18 last September.
It was a fellow student and friend of the alleged victim who alerted school officials.
Authorities say when Rubino got wind of this, he reportedly sent the victim a text that read: "Please make sure this girl keeps her mouth shut. I am sorry and it won't happen again."
According to the criminal complaint, Rubino confessed to everything and signed a written statement.
He is free on an unsecured bond.
His preliminary hearing is next Thursday at the Beaver County Courthouse.
Rubino, who is single with no children, has been on unpaid leave from the Hopewell School District since last September.
A statement from the school district reads in part: "The School District will continue to cooperate with the enforcement agencies as requested. Although, this matter has become public due to the filing of a criminal complaint, school officials have been advised that they still cannot discuss the matter. The School District has initiated appropriate employment procedures for purposes of dealing with the allegation made against the teacher. The teacher is currently on unpaid leave from employment with the School District."
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