A former longtime Westchester County music teacher is accused of embracing a student and trying to kiss her on the lips inside a high school auditorium before his retirement last school year, according to prosecutors and school officials.
According to the district attorney's office, investigators arrested Michael Rubino, 63, on Wednesday, three months after he allegedly lured a student behind a curtain in a Hastings High School auditorium and engaged in a series of lewd acts.
Rubino, of Hartsdale, is accused of hugging and massaging the student's back, kissing her cheek and neck without her consent and then trying to kiss her on the lips around 10:15 a.m. on June 10, according to prosecutors.
The district attorney's office did not disclose the gender or age of the student, but the student reported the teacher to the school district the same day, and the district contacted authorities.
Rubino, who taught in the district for more than 20 years, retired from Hastings High School at the end of June, the school announced.
Hastings-on-Hudson Superintendent William McCarthy said in a memo to school officials that the educator's departure was based on a previously submitted letter of resignation.
Rubino has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation, he added.
“The welfare and safety of our students is our top priority and I want to reiterate that we acted within minutes of this alleged situation to ensure the safety of all students,” he wrote.
Rubino is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree sexual abuse, a misdemeanor, and second-degree harassment, a misdemeanor.
The defendant was arraigned in village court and pleaded not guilty, his attorney, Michael Littman, told The Post Wednesday night.
Mr. Litman declined further comment. Reached by phone, Mr. Rubino also declined to comment but said he denies all the allegations.
A few months before the incident, Rubino had been called “the beloved” in an article in her high school newspaper.
He said at the time that he had been gradually preparing for full retirement, while continuing to serve in smaller roles over the last year. According to The Bazaar.
District Attorney Mimi Roca said Rubino's actions “abuse the trust placed in him by the school, parents, students and community.”
“We commend this courageous young victim for coming forward,” she said in a statement.
Any other possible victims or anyone with information about possible victims are asked to call the District Attorney's Special Prosecutions Unit at 914-995-3000.
Rubino is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 18.
