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RANCHO RESORT MAINTANANCE POSITION Administrative & Professional Jorgensen Brooks Group Counselor Mechanical Komatsu Equipment Co Resident Field Mechanic Administrative & Professional Tucson Urban League CEO/President Finance and Accounting Charles E. Gillman Company Accounting Specialist Sales and Marketing Everready Glass Sales Reps Tucson RegionEx-teacher's jury is told he had sex with girl, 13Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.26.2007
A former Challenger Middle School teacher accused of having a six-month-long sexual affair with a 13-year-old student told jurors Tuesday he has an alibi for many of the dates in question.
Netzahaulcoy Ramos, 34, is on trial in Pima County Superior Court on six counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
The married father of three began having sex with the girl on Dec. 31, 2003, and it lasted until June 9, 2004, prosecutors said.
The Arizona Daily Star does not identify the victims of alleged sex crimes.
Ramos testified Tuesday morning he spent that entire New Year's Eve at a neighbor's party with his wife, children and brother.
On the day the girl claims they first had sex, Ramos said he spent the morning shopping for school supplies with his wife and the rest of the day in the Phoenix area visiting his mother and others.
The girl said the last time the pair had sex was June 9 and it was at the Ramoses' house.
Ramos denied the girl had ever been to his home and said that on June 9, 2004, his wife was six days away from giving birth and was home on maternity leave.
The social studies, math and English teacher testified he learned of the allegations against him just a few days after the girl had become angry and threatened him, Ramos said.
The girl told him she and an adult friend of his were involved and they planned to get married when she turned 18, Ramos said. The girl became angry when he expressed disbelief at the pending marriage and ushered her out of his classroom.
The girl thought he was laughing at her and said she would get back at him, Ramos told his defense attorney, Brad Roach.
He believes his friend was having sex with the girl and that would explain why she knows details about properties he owns, Ramos said.
The 25-year-old man had full access to the properties because he was laying tile or performing other tasks for him, Ramos said.
During his cross-examination, Deputy Pima County Attorney Shawn Jensvold asked Ramos why he never told authorities about his alibi and why he didn't provide documents and pictures he says back up his story.
Ramos told Jensvold his first attorney on the case advised him not to discuss the case with anyone.
Despite blaming him for his troubles, Ramos admitted he is still exchanging text messages with the man, who is now deployed overseas with the National Guard.
"You've got to keep your enemies closer than your friends," Ramos said.
Jensvold also asked Ramos to explain how the girl knew about a print hanging at his house and a bunk bed. Ramos said anyone can see the print by looking through the windows. He couldn't explain how the girl knew about a bunk bed as it was being stored in his garage.
When asked if it was true he had told students and others that he was single, Ramos said "Yes" and added he also said "Yes" when asked if he was gay because he just wanted to re-direct his students to what was important — their schooling.
"I would say 'Sure, just continue on,' " Ramos said.
Ramos also acknowledged he often would take off his wedding ring, but said it was because he didn't like to wear it during wrestling practice and would forget to put it back on.
Closing arguments are expected to begin at 11 a.m. today in Judge Gus Aragón's courtroom.
● Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com.
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