2nd Plum Teacher In Court On Sex-Related Charges

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – For the second day in a row, a Plum High School teacher was in court for sex-related charges.

This time it was Jason Cooper, accused of having sex with a student and giving her alcohol.

But he argues there was nothing illegal about their relationship.

As Cooper made his way into the courthouse Thursday morning, his lawyer was preparing a defense that doesn't deny a teacher-student relationship. But her claims the student is 18 – and it's not illegal.

"An 18-year-old is an adult under the law," said defense attorney Michael DeRiso. "An 18-year-old can pick and choose what he or she wants to do, with whom, when and how."

Attorney Michael DeRiso doesn't defend Jason Cooper's relationship with a student. He says it's wrong, but he argues it's not illegal.

"It's not OK, but it's not illegal," he said. "There's a big difference."

Cooper's court appearance comes just 24 hours after another former teacher, Joey Ruggieri, appeared in court too. His alleged victim was just 17. And the defense attorney admits, he wouldn't want his own daughter going to Plum High School.

"To Create an atmosphere where you have teachers acting in this fashion is disturbing," said DeRiso. "If my child went to Plum, I'd be very concerned."

Even so, DeRiso says Cooper's relationship isn't illegal.

You might not believe the argument, but in the past, DeRiso got sexual assault charges dropped against a female New Brighton teacher who had sex with two 18-year-old students.

We'll hear arguments made on the case Aug. 12.

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