Parents in Washington are seeking answers after a 62-year-old physical education teacher and athletic director at Skykomish K-12 High School was arrested on Friday, suspected of sexually abusing students for over a year.
The arrest occurred during a child rape investigation conducted by the King County Sheriff’s Office, as reported on March 6. The identities of those involved have not been disclosed, pending formal charges.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office mentioned they had not yet received the charges, but anticipated a decision from the sheriff’s office soon.
Allegations have surfaced regarding a 14-year-old girl who transferred to the school in seventh grade after having faced trauma in her previous school. She and her teacher, sharing a common interest in soccer, developed a bond during this time.
It’s alleged that she received gifts and favorable treatment that led to a sexual relationship in eighth grade. A probable cause report indicated that this abuse lasted about a year and a half and reportedly took place in several areas on campus, such as a closet and the gymnasium during school hours.
The relationship reportedly intensified, with frequent exchanges via the school email that allegedly included coded references to sexual acts. Investigators claim the teacher confessed to the repeated contact and acknowledged buying gifts for the student, including underwear.
Concerns regarding their relationship were apparently raised by both staff and students. Investigators also noted that the school’s principal had instructed the teacher to avoid being alone with students, yet another student, described as autistic, was present instead of appropriate adult supervision.
The inappropriate relationship was discovered after the student’s mother found explicit images on her daughter’s phone and alerted authorities.
Maria, a concerned parent in the area, expressed her distress about the situation, saying she was “pretty upset” and “shaking.” Her son was reportedly quite affected by the teacher’s arrest.
In a statement, the Skykomish School District said they had not informed parents about the ongoing investigation before the arrest. Superintendent Destry Jones emphasized that the district is fully cooperating with the investigation and prioritizes student safety.
Jones further stated the district intends to be open as new information comes to light while also respecting the involved youth’s privacy. He urged community members to be considerate and remind everyone that maintaining a safe learning environment for all students remains the primary focus.
Detectives from the special assault unit are actively continuing the investigation. Currently, authorities do not believe there are any new victims and are open to receiving any relevant information from the public. Reports indicate that the teacher is being held on a $750,000 bail.
