A Skykomish gym teacher was arrested Friday and booked into King County Jail on suspicion of raping a student, according to law enforcement accounts and court papers. Detectives took the staff member into custody at Skykomish K‑12 School after opening an investigation earlier this month. Authorities say the probe is ongoing and the district has been notified.
What court documents allege
Court documents reviewed by KIRO 7 state that the girl’s mother discovered images and messages on her daughter’s phone and that the relationship started when the student was in seventh grade, turning sexual in eighth grade. The filings allege the coach showered the student with gifts and special treatment, used gym‑related code words in messages, and arranged encounters in different areas of the school. The documents also say school staff raised concerns and that the principal attempted to keep the two apart.
Arrest and investigation
Detectives with the King County Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit arrested a male staff member at the school on March 6 and booked him on suspicion of rape of a child, FOX 13 Seattle reported. Deputies told reporters the arrest unfolded during the school day and that investigators do not believe there are additional victims at this time. According to the station, the Skykomish School District has been notified and officials say they are cooperating with the investigation.
Conflicting details in local reporting
Local outlets have reported slightly different details about the suspect. KING 5 described the teacher as 63 years old, while court documents cited by KIRO 7 list him as 62. KIRO 7 also reported that bail was set at $750,000 and that the documents include allegations the suspect deleted photos from his phone after receiving images from the student. Neither outlet reports any conviction; all of the information so far comes from an active investigation and court filings.
Legal next steps
Being booked on suspicion is an early step while detectives collect evidence and prosecutors decide whether to file charges. If charges are filed, alleged conduct involving a minor could be prosecuted as rape of a child under Washington law, which is a felony offense, per the Revised Code of Washington. The statutes outline different degrees of the crime based on the victim’s age and the age gap with the suspect. The accused remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Small district, big fallout
Skykomish is one of Washington’s smallest school districts, with a single K‑12 campus that serves roughly 35 to 45 students, according to K12JobSpot. In a school that small, allegations involving a staff member can touch nearly every family and employee. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to examine evidence.
