A 47-year-old Edmonds paraeducator, Roberto Rodriguez, was charged Tuesday (Feb. 24, 2026) with multiple counts of child rape after prosecutors say he groomed and sexually abused a deaf student he had tutored for years. Court records state the girl, who used sign language and text to communicate, was around 10 when the alleged abuse began. Rodriguez later posted $750,000 bail and is now out of custody while the case moves through the courts.
The investigation started after the girl's mother reportedly found hundreds of sexually explicit messages on the student's iPad. She contacted police along with school and district officials, who say they are cooperating with law enforcement. In a letter to families, the Edmonds School District said the paraeducator had been placed on administrative leave and trespassed from all district property. The district also told families that counselors and support staff are available to students, as outlined in its message to families reported by KIRO 7.
Charging documents obtained by FOX 13 Seattle allege the abuse began in an upstairs attic workspace during the COVID-19 pandemic, when private tutoring sessions were moved out of the family dining room. Detectives reviewed dozens of screenshots the family saved that prosecutors say show Rodriguez bragging about taking the victim's virginity, arranging future sexual encounters and scolding the girl for slow replies. The records also indicate the teenager became distraught after the messages were discovered and was taken to Seattle Children's Hospital for an emergency mental-health evaluation.
Charges And Court Status
Edmonds police arrested Rodriguez in mid-January and booked him into the county jail on suspicion of rape and related offenses, according to authorities. The department has said it is coordinating with prosecutors while investigators review evidence and look into whether there may be other victims. Local outlets first reported the arrest and early details of the investigation, per HeraldNet.
Prosecutors in King County have since filed charges that include first-, second- and third-degree child rape, as well as communication with a minor for immoral purposes. A judge set bail at $750,000. Court records show Rodriguez posted that bail and was released pending further proceedings, according to FOX 13 Seattle. Prosecutors say the charging documents and the screenshots provided by the family are central pieces of evidence in the case.
School Response And Resources
The Edmonds School District says it notified families once the allegations came to light and placed Rodriguez on administrative leave while the investigation continues. District officials urged parents and guardians to check in with their children and emphasized that school counselors are available. The district's message to families also highlighted its Vector Alert system for submitting safety concerns or tips, as reported by KIRO 7. School leaders said they would not comment further on personnel issues while law enforcement conducts its investigation.
Legal Context
The charges against Rodriguez are felony offenses that carry significant prison time under Washington law if he is convicted. Court filings show the case will be prosecuted by King County. Prosecutors say the evidence includes the digital messages and interviews summarized in the charging papers, and more details could surface at upcoming court hearings, according to HeraldNet. It remains unclear whether the family or the Edmonds School District will pursue any civil action related to the alleged abuse.
