Thursday, October 1, 2026
A longtime teaching assistant at Edmonds-Woodway High School was arrested Jan. 19 at his home and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for third-degree rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
The name of the suspect, who also worked at Madrona K-8 in Edmonds, is being withheld pending formal charges.
According to Edmonds Police Cmdr. Shane Hawley, the investigation started Jan. 17. Parents of the victim, a 15-year-old female student at Edmonds-Woodway, discovered concerning text messages on her phone.
Those messages showed what appeared to be an ongoing sexual relationship between their daughter and the teaching assistant, a 46-year-old man from the unincorporated Edmonds area.
The assistant has been working with the victim for many years. Initial details show inappropriate contact has likely been going on for close to five years, police say.
The Edmonds School District was notified immediately and began its internal processes.
"This is an ongoing investigation and no further details will be released," Hawley said.
The investigation will include looking for evidence that may suggest other students have been victimized by the teaching assistant.
Edmonds School District Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab released the following statement in a letter to parents and guardians:
"We have been informed by the Edmonds Police Department that a paraeducator at Edmonds-Woodway High School and Madrona K-8 has been arrested on charges involving child sexual assault. Upon learning of this information, the individual was immediately put on administrative leave and will be trespassed from all school and district property.
"We recognize how alarming and upsetting this news may be for students, families, and staff. The safety and well-being of our students are always our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as their investigation continues.
"Out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, we are unable to share additional details at this time.
"We encourage families to take time to talk with their students and to remind them that they can always reach out to a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable or need support. The school’s counselors, administrators, and support staff are available to students who may need assistance processing this information.
"If you have any information relevant to this matter, you are encouraged to contact the Edmonds Police Department directly. Concerns related to student safety may also be reported to school administration. You can also submit safety tips 24/7 through our Vector Alert Online Reporting System here. Tips can be submitted via text, phone, email, or web-based reporting form.
"We understand that this news may raise questions and emotions, and we are committed to communicating transparently while maintaining the dignity, safety, and privacy of our students and staff.
"Thank you for your partnership, trust, and continued support of our school community during this difficult time."
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jessanthony
If the victim is 15, and the assault had been ongoing for close to 5 years...You do the math. She would have still been in middle school. So how did the perpetrator meet the girl if he was a staff member of the high school? I suppose these questions will be answered in due time. Unfortunately, this is a pattern in our school district, coming as it does on the heels of last year's scandal at Meadowdale Middle School, where a special ed teacher was arrested for raping a student. It's amazing that these heinous acts can take place in a public setting like a school, under the watchful eyes of their peers, where you'd think somebody would've noticed. I hope that justice is served and that these children and their families find healing. As for Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab's assertion that the Edmonds School District is "committed to...maintaining the dignity, safety and privacy of our students and staff" -- that is clearly not the case. District Policy #3211 ("Gender Inclusive Schools") allows boys to access girls' sports teams and locker rooms, in clear violation of Federal law Title IX. The "dignity, safety and privacy" of our female students are despoiled by this policy, which seeks to prioritize boys' feelings over girls' rights. ESD must do better, especially if they hope to pass their proposed levy in the fall. This is not how you win parents' and voters' trust and confidence.
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