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A call from parents about concerning text messages on their 15-year-old daughter’s phone led to the arrest of a long-time Edmonds-Woodway High School teaching assistant on suspicion of third-degree rape and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
According to Edmonds police spokesperson Cmdr. Shane Hawley, the investigation started on Jan. 17, when parents of the victim — a student at Edmonds-Woodway High School — discovered concerning text messages on her phone. Those messages showed what appeared to be an ongoing sexual relationship between their daughter and a teaching assistant.
The parents notified Edmonds police, who in turn immediately notified the school district, Hawley said.
Police described the assistant as a 46-year-old man from the unincorporated Edmonds area. “Initial details show inappropriate contact has likely been going on for close to five years,” Hawley said.
The Edmonds School District conducted an internal process and on Jan. 19, the suspect was arrested at his home and booked into the Snohomish County Jail.
“This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released,” Hawley said. “The suspect has not been formally charged, and his name is not available for release until that occurs.”
The police investigation will include looking for evidence that other students may have been victimized by the teaching assistant, Hawley added.
As a mother, this story breaks my heart. It would hard not to blame myself for not seeing the signs sooner, but that would not help the situation. Thankfully, it has been discovered! And apparently it’s been going on for 5 years. This means the abuse may have started when she was only 10. That’s 5th grade. The loss of this child’s innocence at the hands of an adult will never be restored. What is our school district’s plan to help make sure our children are protected from this kind of abuse? Are school staff allowed to text students? Are school staff allowed to be alone with only one student in private rooms with the door closed? Maybe the school district could offer parents education on how to spot abuse or inappropriate adult relationships with their children. There are many helpful programs on this topic. So heartbreaking. I hope the truth is brought into the light and justice is served.
This is also not ideal, but perhaps the assistant has been committing these acts for the last 5 years, not specifically with this 15 year old. That of course, would mean there is a possibility of more victims. Not ideal in any situation.
Terrible this is! Poor child. I assume that all teachers and assistants of any kind that work with kids in any capacity are background checked before hiring? Do you know Rebecca?
Getting identified on a background check presumes they have previously been caught, tried, and then have a criminal record. I would guess that is not the case for most predators. Think of the Catholic Church or The Boy Scout scandals that went on for so many years.