BROKEN BOW, Neb.— Krystina Rugg, age 40 of Sargent, appeared in Custer County District Court for a pretrial hearing on Thursday. Rugg has been charged with one count each of first degree sexual abuse by a school employee and third degree sexual abuse by a school employee.
Rugg pled not guilty to both charges, which stem from events alleged to have happened in May of 2025. Two students told investigators of the exchanging of nude images with Rugg on mutual social media platforms. One of the students indicated that their exchange was followed by meeting and engaging in sexual acts.
Rugg was a para-educator at Sargent Public Schools, but according to a statement from the school in September had resigned earlier in the year before the school became aware of the allegations.
Following the plea entry, a motion by Rugg’s attorney to continue the jury trial was granted by Judge Karin Noakes. Jury trial was set for June 15, 2026 at 9 AM.
If convicted, Rugg faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment on the first degree sexual abuse charge (IIA felony) and a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and 12 months post-release supervision, a $10,000 fine, or both on the third degree sexual abuse charge (IV felony).
Rugg remains out of custody after posting 10% of a $25,000 bond.
