Thu Sep 12 01:10:53 UTC 2024: ## Former Westchester Music Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student

**HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY** – A former longtime music teacher at Hastings High School has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse and harassment of a student. Michael Rubino, 63, of Hartsdale, allegedly hugged and attempted to kiss a student on the lips inside the school auditorium on June 10th.

According to prosecutors, Rubino led the student behind the curtains of the auditorium and proceeded to hug and massage the student’s back, kissing their cheek and neck without consent before trying to kiss them on the lips. The student reported the incident to the school district, which contacted authorities.

Rubino had been a teacher at Hastings High School for over 20 years and retired at the end of June. However, his departure was based on a previously submitted notice of retirement, not as a result of the allegations.

He has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree sexual abuse, and second-degree harassment. Rubino pleaded not guilty to the charges.

District Attorney Mimi Rocah stated that Rubino’s alleged actions “exploited the trust placed in him by the school, parents, students and community.” She commended the victim for coming forward and urged anyone with information about possible additional victims to contact the District Attorney’s office.

Rubino’s attorney, Michael Litman, declined to comment on the case, but Rubino himself denied all charges.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of students in the school district. The Hastings-on-Hudson Superintendent of Schools, William McKersie, assured the community that the district’s highest priority is the welfare and safety of its students and that immediate action was taken to ensure their safety after the alleged incident came to light.

Rubino is expected to appear in court again on September 18th.

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