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Family Of Coach Accused Of Rape Call Him 'Evil,' 'A True Sociopath'

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A sixth grade girls' basketball coach from Beaver County accused of raping teenage girls reportedly called his family to ask for money, but they say they are "done with him."

Ralph Ruprecht, a husband and father of three girls, was grabbed by police Friday, accused of committing deviant sexual acts with teenage girls in an apartment in a Strip District building.

He is facing 16 counts including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Sources indicate Ruprecht posed as a woman on the internet, befriended numerous teenage girls, then asked them to "call my brother." Turns out the "brother" was Ruprecht.

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Sources says he groomed eight to ten girls and lured them to the Strip District apartment for sex, where they were allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by as many as eight men.

This reportedly went on "for years."

Linda Jones manages the Strip District apartment, and said she was concerned about what was going on inside, noting that she heard disturbing sounds coming from inside. Finally, she said was concerned enough that she kicked Ruprecht out of the unit.

One of the victims told police Ruprecht would punch and choke her to force her to do as he said. One victim also told police she had suffered bruised and broken ribs as a result of sexual encounters with Ruprecht. He would also threaten to tell the girls' parents if they did not do what he said.

Sources say the victims were all from successful families and were ashamed to come forward. Police became aware of the situation after a tip was called in.

Ruprecht's family members so blown away by the allegations, they left the state. They moved to Michigan, leaving their home and life in Freedom behind. Family members reportedly called the man "evil" and "a true sociopath."

According to online court records, he was arraigned on the charges Saturday morning and was taken to the Allegheny County Jail after failing to post $200,000 bond.

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