Stephanie Ragusa
Posted by: Webmaster in FE-MV, Florida, High Profile Cases, Math, Middle Schools(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.
References:
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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October 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Here’s another largely unrecognized problem which I forsee as ultimately arising from this contemporary promiscuity of attractive young elementary and middle-school teachers:
Another group of victims will be the other male students who have been “passed over” for the granting of sexual favors by these immoral female “teachers”.
Those boys may feel haunted by a sense of frustration, resentment, and low self-concept, which is certain to erupt later on in the form of violent anti-social conduct.
October 6th, 2008 at 12:34 am
When will they finally stop letting these vile teacher (Deleted by site moderator) off with mere probation, and give them some good, hard penitentiary time?
This comment has been edited by site moderator in accordance with site policies as outlined in the “Comments” page.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Now to advise everyone reading this and the author that posted this to comment to my comments start from comment 40 to this one 42 on the list. Read 40 first up to this one so it all makes since what I’ve tryed to say and in America I’m free to my opinion! The laws are MESSED up thats all I’m saying! Everyone take care and this sexy Hott lady was in the wrong time and place and wrong 15 year old that just bragged and she gets nailed. Wish I had a teacher like her I’d of had me a Grand old time and said NOTHING! But she blew lol cause it wasn’t me she was ******** lol
This comment has been edited by site moderator in accordance with site policies as outlined in the “Comments” page.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Again and the GOVERMENT also is looking around at each other saying O MY GODDDDD why is this happening so much LOL. Well for one stop alowing guys and girls to wear clothes like they are selling there body. I ride down the road on a daily basis and see a girl walking and has a skirt so far up that every step I can see half her (***) and panties. Guess what from the back you would think its a 20 year old and then the closer you get its a 12 year old or 15 or whatever walking home from school. Looks like she’s dressed to work the streets and we wonder why they are having sex young look what they advertise! I’m a dad and I have daughters and by god they will never dress that way! Same goes for the guys wearing tank tops and tight Jeans with your privates popping out at 15 years old. Hints why this teacher reacted. All these TV shows which are all showing Sex related content that all kids growing up see and all the kids wisper in ever other ears at school did you see this and that, the boy and girl bands dancing sex like. I mean these kids hell at even 11 are ready to rape each other and they as I hear are teaching Sex ed even younger and younger as the years go by I mean and we wonder why 20 to 40 year olds are doing 14 and up. Like I said i am a dad and I am protective and would beat there ever living (***) if I caught anything sex related with an older man or same goes for my new Son but us parents can’t make them listen they are there own person and my yells and force of fear I place on them might hold for a while as they grow but sooner or later with clothes Sex ed at school and human nature SEX will take over and dad as they will say can go screw hisself cause just like me when I was 15 I was doing what I wanted when I wanted. So I have to respect they will be the same. But don’t come on here and say this woman is sick or should die its just SEX. She didn’t murder no one. its was SEX and thats it. The kid was 14 and more at 15. I mean I had sex when I was 7 years old with a 9 year old and her sister at the same time. So I never regret that but people its happening even younger than this. My take is the law should be changed to 14 and up is LEGAL to have sex. Not 18 cause if it stays 18 in 100 years from now there will be no teachers due to everyone will have those sex avender charges or what it is on there record and never be able to be around there own kids by there self and thats sad and all of this over just SEX. Now Sex under 14 is sick and wrong to me. But 14 and older isn’t in my eyes. Now this child porn I hear about to is SICK and laws for that shoudl stay inforced as well with that being legal at 16 and older to make your own choice at 16 to do that sick (****) But anyways, to have sex should be legal at 14 and half these damn prisons would free some space and save Tax money out the damn (***) for better things that need to be adressed. Say like the (******) up MURDER LAWS. I have seen many counts where someone like this lady thats had sex with these 14 and 15 year olds get longer prison time than someone that cold blooded killed someone on purpose. Now tell if I’m wrong but what kind of idiot made these laws???? I think it wasn’t human!
This comment has been edited by site moderator in accordance with site policies as outlined in the “Comments” page.