A former longtime Westchester County music teacher allegedly hugged and tried to kiss a student on the lips inside a high school auditorium before his expected retirement last school year, prosecutors and school officials said.
Michael Rubino, 63, was arrested by the investigators Wednesday three months after he allegedly led the pupil behind the curtains of the auditorium at Hastings High School and made a series of pervy moves on the teen, the district attorney’s office said.
Rubino, of Hartsdale, is accused of hugging and massaging the student’s back and then kissing their cheek and neck without their consent before attempting to kiss the student on the lips around 10:15 a.m. on June 10, prosecutors said.
The student, whose gender and age were not revealed by the district attorney’s office, reported the teacher the same day to the district, which then contacted authorities.
Rubino, who taught at the district for more than 20 years, retired from Hastings High at the end of June, the school said.
The educator’s departure was based on a previously submitted notice of retirement, Hastings-on-Hudson Superintendent of Schools William McKersie said in a note to the school community.
Rubino was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, he added.
“I want to repeat that the welfare and safety of our students is our highest priority, and that we acted within minutes of this alleged situation to ensure all students were safe,” he wrote.
Rubino is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree sexual abuse, which are misdemeanors, and second-degree harassment, a violation.
He was arraigned in village court where he pleaded not guilty, his lawyer, Michael Litman, told The Post Wednesday night.
Litman declined further comment. Rubino, when reached by phone, also declined comment, but said he denies all charges.
Months before the alleged incident, Rubino was referred to as “beloved” in a high school newspaper story.
He said at the time he was easing into a full retirement while handling a lesser role last school year, according to The Buzzer.
District Attorney Mimi Rocah said the alleged actions by Rubino “exploited the trust placed in him by the school, parents, students and community.”
“We commend the brave young victim for coming forward,” she said in a statement.
Any other possible victims or those who have information on possible victims are asked to call the district attorney’s special prosecution division at 914-995-3000.
Rubino is expected to appear in court again on Sept. 18.
