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Judge Orders Ragusa To Give Writing Sample

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By THOMAS W. KRAUSE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 17, 2008

TAMPA - A judge on Monday approved prosecutors' request to take a handwriting sample from former teacher Stephanie Ragusa, who is charged with having sex with two of her underage students.

Ragusa's attorney didn't object, saying the law is clear that prosecutors have the right to a sample. He said he will be there when the sample is provided.

In a written request, prosecutors said they wanted to compare Ragusa's handwriting with one or more notes to one of the students. The boy was 15 when the relationship started and turned 16 before it ended.

Prosecutors also want to compare the handwriting sample with notes on the back of photos they said she gave the teen, cards addressed to the teen, notes regarding a car she intended to purchase for him and a handwritten last will and testament for Ragusa found in the teen's possession.

None of those documents is public record yet, but will be when shared with the defense attorney.

Prosecutors also asked Circuit Judge J. Rogers Padgett to prevent Ragusa from having contact with anyone younger than 18 except through her attorney.
Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters told the judge that the request stemmed from a letter Ragusa wrote to an underage inmate in a Pinellas County jail.

"We would have concerns for minors, given Ms. Ragusa's past behavior," Peters said.

The judge denied this request.

About two weeks ago, Ragusa wrote to Hulk Hogan's 17-year-old son, Nick Bollea, who is serving an eight-month sentence for reckless driving in a car crash that seriously injured his passenger.
Ragusa attorney Robert Herce said his client already is prohibited from contacting the minors she is charged with molesting and there was no need to expand that.

The letter Ragusa sent Bollea was a "soothing-type," "sympathetic" letter, Herce said, because both are in similar situations regarding media attention.
Ragusa applied to become a Hillsborough County teacher in July 2006. She worked for Madison Middle School, then transferred to Davidsen Middle School in December 2006.

Ragusa, 29, was arrested March 13 after investigators accused her of having sex at least three times from January to May 2007 with a then 14-year-old student.

As the investigation continued, she was arrested again April 15, accused of having a sexual relationship with another student starting when the boy was 15.
Ragusa is charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious battery, four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, four counts of unlawful sex with a minor and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is being held without bail at Falkenburg Road Jail.

Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com.

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