School Administrator Arraigned In Connection With Steubenville Rape Case
STEUBENVILLE (KDKA/AP) – A school administrator facing charges in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl by two high school football players last year was arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
At his arraignment, William Rhinaman pleaded not guilty to charges of tampering with evidence, obstructing justice, obstructing official business and perjury.
He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.
When asked by Judge Patricia Cosgrove whether he was on leave from the Steubenville School District, he replied, "I don't know. I have had no contact since I was arrested."
As the judge tried to determine his ability to hire private counsel, Rhinaman told the judge he made $67,000 a year and had only $1,500 in his credit union and checking accounts.
The judge appointed an attorney to represent him pending a decision on whether the public defender's office will take up his case.
Rhinaman, of Mingo Junction, was arrested Monday afternoon after the charges from Friday's indictment were made formal.
Attorney General Mike DeWine said the charges are related to Rhinaman's job as a Steubenville city schools' information technology employee.
A key issue before the panel has been whether adults such as coaches or school administrators knew of the rape allegation but failed to report it as required by state law.
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