Bad Bad Teacher

(3/13/08 – Initial BBT Report)

Stephanie Marie Ragusa, 28, a former teacher at Davidsen Middle School in Tampa, Florida has been arrested and charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious battery on allegations of having sex with a 15-year-old boy.

It is alleged that Ragusa had a sexual relationship with the boy and that she had sex with him five times between Oct. 1, 2006 to May 4, 2007.

The alleged victim was never a student of Ragusa, although he attended Davidsen Middle School when Ragusa taught there.

Ragusa who currently works as a math teacher at Martinez Middle School in Lutz, Florida has been placed on paid administrative leave.

In the wake of her arrest, Ragusa was being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail. A bond hearing has been set for March 19th.

Investigators now say that Ragusa performed oral sex on the boy twice, and allegedly had intercourse with him three other times. It is further alleged that the victim was also able to describe tattoos located on either side of Ragusa’s groin, tattoos which could only be seen if she wasn’t wearing clothes.

3/18/08 – Released on Bail

A bail bond hearing set for Wednesday was instead held today for Stephanie Ragusa.

Bail was set at at $12,500 and Ragusa made bail and was released from jail shortly after the hearing.

Ragusa has reportedly be placed on unpaid administrative leave by the school system.

04/03/08 – Affidavit Reveals Details of Allegations

An affidavit filed in the case of Stephanie Ragusa reveals several details of the allegations against her including that Ragusa allegedly told the boy he was shy and she could break him of that.

The affidavit also reveals details of the alleged sexual activities between Ragusa and the boy.

04/15/08 – Stephanie Ragusa Arrested Again

Stephanie Ragusa has been arrested again after investigators were able to obtain cell phone text message records linking her relationship with another 15-year-old male victim.

Her arrest today was reportedly on charges of lewd and lascivious battery and 2 counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

The latest arrest and charges stem from allegations that Ragusa and the boy had an ongoing sexual relationship as recently as March 10, 2008. Police say that on that date that Ragusa and the alleged victim exchanged text messages, met and investigator say they engaged in oral sex and intercourse.

Following today’s arrest Ragusa was taken to the Orient Road Jail where she is being held pending bond.

Ragusa’s two arrests and two sets of charges are alleging two different male teenage victims.

04/28/08 – Stephanie Ragusa Arrested Third Time

Stephanie Ragusa has been arrested yet again.

Reportedly Stephanie Ragusa was arrested today at the home of the second alleged victim.

Sheriff’s investigators say Ragusa has continued a sexual relationship with alleged victim #2, a 15-year-old boy.

Reportedly when the boy did not show up for school today, investigators went to his home and found him with Ragusa.

Following today’s arrest Ragusa was taken to the Orient Road Jail where she is being held without bond on two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Reportedly Ragusa is not talking to investigators…

04/30/08 – More Charges and More Problems

The bail bond company which put up the bond to free Stephanie Ragusa on her earlier arrests has decided to bail on her in light of her third arrest in six weeks.

On Friday prosecutors will attempt to get her earlier bonds revoked in spite of the bonding company’s actions.

For her Monday arrest Ragusa has been charged with two counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and three counts of lewd or lascivious battery.

05/02/08 – Bond Hearing Postponed

Today’s bond hearing for Stephanie Ragusa has been put off indefinitely.

Prosecutors are seeking to have Ragusa’s bond revoked on her two earlier arrests.

Ragusa’s lawyer Robert Herce again asked to postpone the hearing in order than he might prepare.

Ragusa remains jailed.

05/08/08 – Documents and Call Transcripts Released

Over the objections of Stephanie Ragusa’s attorney documents and a phone call transcript have been released which shed new light on the case against Ragusa.

Investigators say that Ragusa allegedly had sexual relationships with the four underage boys. She has thus far been charged with sex offenses against two boys. Investigators are not ruling out additional victims and the investigation continues.

Ragusa came to the attention of authorities when a girl at Davidsen Middle School told a school resource officer she had heard that Ragusa had sex with a student. The resource officer informed the principal of the allegation and the principal contacted sheriff’s deputies.

Shortly after Ragusa’s arrest, a teacher caught students passing a note about Ragusa. The note allegedly indicated that Ragusa has sex with other former and current students.

The call transcript indicates Ragusa was aware that her actions were criminal when the boy asked about their sexual relationship:

Ragusa: It’s illegal.
Victim: Oh.
Ragusa: It would be all over the news and everything:
Victim: Oh, like that one Debra Lafave thing?
Ragusa: Yeah.

Victim: Well, like what exactly that we did was wrong, though?
Ragusa: It’s illegal.
Victim: Like what, though?
Ragusa: You’re under 18; I’m over 18 and I don’t know; whatever.

05/19/08 – More Charges Filed, Case Consolidated

Today prosecutors filed formal charges against Stephanie Ragusa involving her second and third arrests on allegations of her having sex repeatedly with two underage students.

Prosecutors have consolidated all charges against Ragusa into a single criminal case.

Ragusa entered a not guilty plea to the charges and continues to be held without bond. Her next court date has been set for July 15.

06/06/08 – Ragusa Writes To Hulk Hogan’s Son

Stepahnie Ragusa, apparently one to never shy from attention, has made headlines again. This time for writing a letter to Nick Bollea, the 17-year-old son of Hulk Hogan. Nick Bollea is doing time in the Pinellas County Jail while Ragusa is being held in the Hillsborough County Jail.

Initially detention deputies in Pinellas County withheld Ragusa’s letter to Bollea, over questions about whether Ragusa accused of sex crimes against minors was permitted to communicate with Bollea. Eventually a copy of the letter was given to Bollea as well as being made public.

Excerpts from Ragusa to Bollea letter:

It’s not us, Nick, but something ‘off’ with society, that our situations garner more attention + print than the President, the election, or even an earthquake killing thousands. Nothing prepares you for nor prevents it; sensationalism.

We don’t know each other but we are both in similar situations with the media + a high degree of public scrutiny. I just want you to know that you are not alone. … Keep your head up and never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. You have more people supporting + pulling for you than you will ever know.

Kevin Hayslett, one of Bollea’s lawyers, said of Ragusa, “Nick has no desire to be Stephanie Ragusa’s pen pal”.

A wise move on Bollea’s part and a noteworthy play on words on the part of his attorney.

06/12/08 – Stephanie Ragusa Back In Court

Smiling Stephanie Ragusa was back in court today for a hearing to get a handwriting sample, possibly to attempt to match to the infamous Nick Bollea letter which made news headlines last week.

The judge continued the hearing until Monday and one can only wonder if Ragusa will be able to maintain that smile for that long.

06/16/08 – Judge Says Give Writing Sample

A judge this morning ordered Ragusa turn over a handwriting sample to state prosecutors.

The judge however denied the prosecutions request to prohibit Ragusa from having contact with minors. Prosecutor Rita Peters said she feared Ragusa is trying to ‘groom’ new victims.

Prosecutors indicated that they will revisit the issue if Ragusa starts writing more letters, which they say may be aimed at grooming more victims, even from behind bars.

07/08/08 – Tattoo Photos Released

In an apparent effort to counter what must have otherwise been a slow news day the Hillsborough County, Fla., State Attorney’s office just released photos of Stephanie Ragusa’s tattoos.

The “tattoo photo shoot” as revealed on myfoxtampabay.com is not much to brag about. The first photo is of a grainy “hands on hips pose” which shows no tattoos.

Three of the six photos show the “tramp stamp” on Ragusa’s lower back, a tattoo that could be viewed in numerous “innocent enough” scenarios, none of which imply sexual situations, all of which suggest bad taste.

The remaining two photos, show tattoos that appear to be well above the “bikini line” and if that is the case they would obviously be visible if she were wearing a bikini, thong or similar attire and of course if she were nude. Lacing sufficient frame of reference it is difficult to determine the exact location of those two tattoos, however from the photos it is obvious that she would not have to be nude to see them.

In any case, those that are interested can see for themselves at the above link, or simply write this latest “news release” off as more Ragusa-mania.

08/07/08 – Text Messages and Ragusa’s Last Will and Testament Released

The latest release of documents by the State Attorney’s Office in the case of Stephanie Ragusa includes text messages between Ragusa and one of the alleged victims and Ragusa’s Last Will and Testament.

Partial excerpts of alleged text messages between Ragusa and alleged victim:

Regarding a possible breakup:

Ragusa: I guess u have better options and fell out of love
Boy: NO! Im breaking up with u cuz of tony! I went by ur house and saw his truck yet again! Im done!
Ragusa: No I still love u deeply..

Regarding a vandalism report:

Ragusa: omg. Now I have the police questioning me on the home phone about the truck some warning would be nice.
Boy: I did give u a warning… I said the next time I saw the truck parked outside Im gona do something… And u said ok go ahead..
Ragusa: But now I have to cover up for it and not be blamed myself
Ragusa: They wanted all my friends that would have anything against tony. I told them I didn’t know anyone like that. So lets lay off the texting. … At least until this is resolved. By the way, u were r my girlfriend amy if anyone is watching me text since I don’t have your number saved im erasing all these messages too and I cleared my phone out too. Gotta go. Stick to the story
Ragusa: There are major problems here now. Tony and the police r on the way. They want to fingerprint the truck and take me down to the station.
Ragusa: The police have to fingerprint me too. Tony thinks I did it. So I may be in jail tonight..
Ragusa: Okay well baby. I need to get fingerprinted and protect u now. Lets hope nothing bad happens. R we still broken up?
Boy: No sweety Im sorry…
Ragusa: I love u. I have to go now… to the police station.

In a later text exchange:

Ragusa: Okay. So I should go home? … I’m trying so hard. And I was still willing yesterday. Do u understand the risk? I’m trying so hard. …. The whole thing is so risky and foolish. Esp if u aren’t at all patient or understanding.
Ragusa: I can’t do this anymore. I can’t continue living. This is all pain. I’m screwed either way.
Boy: Wat ur gona go kill ur self? Stephanie u say u don’t want ur dad to die but yet killing ur self is gona kill him..i guarantee u that if u do, ur not gonna see ur mom.
Ragusa: I am at my end. I’m just being honest. I can’t take much more of this. I want to be free to live how I want to live and who I want to live with.

In yet another text message exchange, a message from Ragusa allegedly to the boy:

Ragus: I loved today. The sex was amazing
Boy: YES I KNOW!

In another exchange:

Ragusa: Do u have a movie u want to watch at ur house? U know. In addition to… Wink wink.
Boy: No…
Ragusa: So no “date” … Which is what we really need. Bedroom girlfriend?! Baby. Lets try to do something romantic, different.
Boy: Like wat?
Ragusa: Idk. Can you think of anything. Maybe…giving each other massages.? Candle light. Music. Or pleasant/romantic movie
Boy: Then come over
Ragusa: With massage oil? Candles? Towels? Movie?
Boy: Idk whatever u want?
Ragusa: Tell me what u want.

In her will Ragusa allegedly wrote of the boy:

I cannot believe how lucky I was to have met you. Deep down, you are so warm + caring. Meet your potential, find love, happiness + a family of your own. U deserve no less.

Also in her will Ragusa allegedly wrote that she wants to be cremated and have a teaspoon her ashes thrown in the Gulf of Mexico and at the Roman Forum in Italy.

01/08/09 – Court Hearing On Ragusa Tape

Stephanie Ragusa was reportedly “all smiles” in court again as the judge decided to allow prosecutors to use a taped 17-minute conversation between Ragusa and a teenager she is accused of molesting at trial.

Ragusa’s attorney had tried to suppress the tape, preventing its use against Ragusa on the basis that it was not recorded while police were present but was instead recorded by the alleged victim.

Ragusa is expected to face trial later this year.

03/04/09 – Ragusa Says She Is Mistreated

Stephanie Ragusa in letters to Hillsborough County Chief Circuit Judge Manuel Menendez Jr. and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Col. David. M. Parrish has complained that she is being harassed by the staff at the Hillsborough County jail.

Ragusa also says that she is specifically concerned that jail staff is opening her mail to her attorney Robert A. Herce.

The next court date in Ragusa’s case is a March 19th status conference.

03/13/09 – Stephanie Ragusa Intereviewed

In an exclusive jailhouse interview with ABC Action News, Stephanie Ragusa disclosed that her seemingly ever-present smile is a “defense mechanism” and calls it the “grace of God Composure”.

Ragusa went on to declare herself a “vomit monster” and says she gets so nervous that she throws up before being shackled for a court appearance.

Ragusa also says that she is in love with only one person, her fiancé, former professional baseball player Tony Irvin.

03/19/09 – Trial Date Set

A judge has set an August 10th trial date for Stephanie Ragusa.

A pre-trial conference is set for August 4th.

07/08/09 – Stephanie Ragusa In Court

Stephanie Ragusa, still smiling and now wearing corn row braids, made a court appearance today at which her attorney asked the judge to delay a status hearing because he needed more time to depose witnesses.

The prosecution did not object to the delay and the judge rescheduled the status conference for September 30th.

Ragusa remains jailed without bond.

The judge told attorneys that at the September 30th hearing he would either set a new trial date or the case would be disposed of.

08/03/09 – Report: Ragusa cut herself, planned to blame jail guards

The Tampa Tribune reports that according to an incident report from December, 2008 that Stephanie Ragusa apparently tried cutting herself behind bars so she could blame it on guards.

The report also indicates:

n Ragusa’s cell, Hillsborough County detention deputies found jail-made alcohol in a Milk of Magnesia bottle, ink mixed with grease in a medical cup, a staple readied for tattooing and an unknown substance in a Noxema container, the report states.

09/02/09 – Documents Exchanged and Released

The prosecution and defense exchanged information today and some of that information was released by prosecutors.

Among the information released today were disciplinary reports indicating that deputies have accused Ragusa of hoarding underwear, pillowcases and bedding in violation of jail rules and reportedly they also confiscated a fermented alcohol drink known as “Buck” from her cell.

Also released were a series of letters from Ragusa to a penpal. In those letters Ragusa reportedly stated that she is “way more settled & traditional than people would think”. Ragusa also wrote that she is “very private and simple” and that “The media certainly wouldn’t be entertained with the real Stephanie” and that “At times, the idea of returning to my ‘normal’ life seems more daunting than staying put”.

On one occasion, Ragusa reportedly wrote, “”You know what? I’ve just let everything go. When you’re already in the mud, what’s the difference if you get a little more dirty?”

09/30/09 – Ragusa Declared Indigent

Circuit Judge Wayne S. Timmerman granted a request today by Ragusa’s attorney, Robert Herce, to have his client declared indigent.

The judge scheduled hearing for October 28th on Herce’s attempt to keep out of Stephanie Ragusa’s trial text messages she allegedly wrote to one of the boys.

Ragusa remains jailed without bond since her second arrest.

10/27/09 – Ragusa Attorney Wants Text Messages Tossed

Stephanie Ragusa’s attorney says authorities illegally obtained steamy text messages traded between the former teacher and a middle school student and is asking a judge to suppress the messages.

Both the defense and prosecutors will file written arguments about the motion to suppress. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Wayne Timmerman is expected to rule on the motion on December 10th.

01/14/10 – Trail Date Set

A judge today set an April trial date for former middle school math teacher Stephanie Ragusa, who is is accused of having sex with two students.

Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe set Ragusa’s trial for April 12 and warned prosecutors and the defense that he plans to keep his schedule.

01/28/10 – Defense Seeks To Suppress Key Evidence

Stephanie Ragusa’s attorney Robert Herce pointed out in a motion to suppress today that the form used to obtain text and cell phone information was incorrect.

Herce questioned Hillsborough Sheriffs’ Detective Travis Valles procedures in obtaining a court order rather than a warrant for the evidence and also questioned the detectives honesty in a sworn statement used to obtain the court order.

Judge Chet Tharpe indicated that he will rule on the request February 4th.

02/04/10 – Judge Tosses Text Message Evidence

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet Tharpe has ruled that text messages allegedly between Stephanie Ragusa and two middle school students were illegally obtained by law enforcement officers and as such the records are not admissible as evidence in the court case against Ragusa.

Ragusa’s attorney called the ruling a “major victory” and indicates he intends to seek dismissal of one of the cases against Ragusa owing to the exclusion of the text message records.

Reportedly, prosecutor Rita Peters is awaiting the judge’s written order before deciding whether to appeal the judge’s ruling.

04/06/10 – First Trial Set For Monday

On Monday, the first of multiple trials for Stephanie Ragusa will get underway with jury selection.

In that case, Ragusa faces three second-degree counts of lewd or lascivious battery on allegations she had a sexual relationship with a boy beginning when he was 14 and continuing past his 15th birthday.

Ragusa’s attorney has indicated that if a panel of impartial jurors can not be seated in Tampa that he will ask that Ragusa’s trial be moved.

With jury selection set to begin on Monday morning, prosecutor Rita Peters announced to the judge that Court TV is set to cover the trial and indicated that she will ask the court to set guidelines for the cable channel in dealing with the sensitive nature of some witnesses.

04/12/10 – Stephanie Ragusa Pleads Guilty

Stephanie Ragusa has pleaded guilty to multiple counts alleging unlawful sex with minors.

Ragusa pleaded guilty to three counts of lewd and lascivious battery in a March 2008 case involving a 14-year-old boy and to two counts of having unlawful sex with a minor in an April 2008 case involving a 16-year-old boy.

Sentencing is set for June and Ragusa faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, ten years on probation or fifteen years of prison and probation combined.

Ragusa’s guilty plea came as her trial was starting. Had she been found guilty by a jury she would have faced a maximum of twenty-two to forty-five years in prison.

06/28/10 – Sentencing

At the sentencing hearing, the mother of the 14-year-old victim took the stand and said she believes Ragusa “maliciously” preyed on her son’s emotional disabilities.

Stephanie Ragusa addressed the court and said:

I stand here today willing to take responsibility for my actions. I’m sincerely sorry for the pain and aggravation I have caused to the victims and their families.”

Circuit Judge Chet A. Tharpe told Stephanie Ragusa:

I’ve seen you come into this courtroom time and time again as this case has progressed. You had a very lackadaisical attitude on your face, smiling, jovial. If I had to sum up your attitude in one word, it would be arrogance. I don’t know as we stand here today that you truly appreciate the harm that you caused. I honestly believe, Ms. Ragusa, that you are a sexual predator. And I honestly believe that you are a danger to children in our community.

The judge sentenced Stephanie Ragusa to 10 years in prison followed by 5 years of sex offender probation in one case and fifteen years of sex offender probation in the second case.

The sentence was the maximum allowed under a plea bargain.

Ragusa has been jailed for two years, therefore her 10 year prison sentence is in reality 8 years.

References:

Ex-teacher Ragusa gets decade in prison (06/28/10)

Ragusa sentenced to 10 years in prison (06/28/10)

Stephanie Ragusa sentenced to 10 years in prison, 5 years of sex offender probation (06/28/10)

Ragusa pleads guilty in student-sex cases (04/12/10)

Stephanie Ragusa pleads guilty to student sex charges (04/12/10)

Ex-teacher Stephanie Ragusa admits to sex with students (04/12/10)

Ragusa trial opens 2 years after arrest (04/12/10)

Stephanie Ragusa set to go to trial today, accused of sex with teenaged student (04/12/10)

Stephanie Ragusa jury selection begins today (04/12/10)

Trial nears for Stephanie Ragusa, accused of having sex with students
(04/06/10)

Stephanie Ragusa’s first trial scheduled for Monday (04/06/10)

Prosecutors suffer a setback in Ragusa case (02/04/10)

Ruling on Ragusa text messages expected next week (01/28/10)

Smiling Stephanie Ragusa back in court today (01/28/10)

Judge sets April 12 trial date for Ragusa in teen sex case (01/14/10)

Stephanie Ragusa back in court, still smiling (01/14/10)

Ragusa attorney wants judge to exclude steamy text messages (10/27/09)

Judge declares Ragusa indigent at hearing (09/30/09)

Report: Ragusa cut herself, planned to blame jail guards
(08/03/09)
Ragusa weaves her way through system (07/08/09)

Trial delayed for Stephanie Ragusa, teacher accused of sex with students (07/08/09)

Judge Sets August Trial Date For Ragusa (03/19/09)

Ragusa Says Jail Mistreating Her (03/04/09)

Prosecution Can Use Taped Conversation Of Ex-Teacher, Boy (01/08/09)

Call admissible against teacher accused of sex with student (01/08/09)

Ragusa’s attorneys want tapes thrown out; judge denies request (01/08/09)

Ragusa’s text messages detail confessions of love and crime (08/07/08)

Embattled former teacher Ragusa spells out final wishes (08/07/08)

Documents Reflect Ragusa’s Relationships With Students, Principal (08/07/08)

Tattoo Photos Released of Tampa Teacher Accused of Repeatedly Having Sex With Students (07/08/08)

Photos Show Accused Florida Teacher’s Tattoos (07/08/08)

Teacher likely to have been fired without sex scandal (06/25/08)

Prosecutors try to muzzle teacher (06/16/08)

Stephanie Ragusa back in court (06/16/08)

Ragusa in court today (06/16/08)

Stephanie Ragusa back in court (06/12/08)

Accused Teacher Sends Bollea Her Sympathies (06/06/08)

Stephanie Ragusa Sends Letter To Nick Bollea (06/06/08)

Teacher accused in sex scandal writes to Nick Bollea (06/06/08)

Still smiling, Ragusa enters not-guilty plea (05/19/08)

State Files Formal Charges In Teacher-Students Sex Case (05/19/08)

Ragusa No Stranger To Turmoil (05/11/08)

Investigators: Ragusa had at least four victims (05/08/08)

Transcript Of Teacher-Student Conversation Released In Sex Case (05/08/08)

Stephanie Ragusa: “It will be all over the news” (05/08/08)

Bail Hearing Postponed Again In Teacher-Student Sex Case (05/02/08)

Bail hearing postponed for teacher (05/02/08)

Suspected sex teacher won’t be fired (04/30/08)

Bondsman bails on accused teacher (04/30/08)

Schoolteacher in heat? Woman arrested thrice (04/29/08)

Ragusa caught, arrested at victim’s home (04/28/08)

Deputies: Teacher continued seeing student after arrest (04/28/08)

Hillsborough teacher arrested for the third time (04/28/08)

New sex charges for Tampa teacher (04/28/08)

Hillsborough teacher suspected in sex crimes busted for third time (04/28/08)

Teacher Fibbed About Honor On Resume – And Misspelled It (04/16/08)

Teacher Charged For Sex With 2nd Student (04/16/08)

Teacher re-arrested on charge of sex with another student (04/15/08)

Hillsborough County Teacher arrested again (04/15/08)

Tampa teacher arrested, again! (04/15/08)

Details Of Accusations Against Teacher Revealed (04/03/08)

Teacher posts bail, placed on unpaid leave following sex charge (3/18/08)

Teacher In Sex Case Leaves Jail (3/18/08)

Teacher Was Hired Despite Arrests (3/15/08)

Deputies: Teacher, boy had multiple sexual encounters (3/14/08)

Teacher arrested for having sex with student (3/13/08)

Teacher Accused Of Sex With Teen (3/13/08)

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