Police arrest Monroe High School teacher for sexual misconduct

Detectives arrested a Monroe High School teacher for allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student in 2017.

The victim recently came forward in May, revealing her involvement with the 53-year-old Seattle man. Detectives corroborated his testimony, establishing probable cause for the Monroe Police Department (MPD) to arrest the man for two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. (A statement on the MPD arrest can be viewed in PDF format here.)

Detectives suspect the man has a history of sexual misconduct involving other victims in recent years. MPD reported in late February that a teacher was under investigation for misconduct with a student.

Previous coverage: Monroe teacher under investigation for alleged misconduct

MPD confirmed to KIRO Newsradio Tuesday afternoon that the teacher under investigation at that time was the same teacher who was arrested Tuesday. MyNorthwest and KIRO Newsradio are not naming the suspect at this time because he has not yet been formally charged.

Monroe Police Chief Jeff Jolley praised the school district's involvement and commended the victim for coming forward.

“The District’s cooperation has been crucial in our thorough review of this matter,” Jolley said. “We commend the victim for the courage she showed in coming forward. »

Monroe School District Superintendent Shawn Woodward said in a statement in February that the district was aware of the alleged misconduct.

“We want to assure you that we take these matters very seriously,” Woodward said.

Jason Rantz's opinion: Teacher photographed crawling under high school toilet

Woodward added that at the time the teacher was on paid leave, he was prohibited from any contact with students while officers investigated.

“We understand that this news may be upsetting to some of our students,” Woodward said.

The suspect was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office is handling the case.

Crime log: Police search for suspects in fatal U-District shooting

If anyone has information about the case or other potential victims, they are encouraged to contact the Monroe Police Department by calling 360-794-6300.

Contributor: Steve Coogan

Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at My Northwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on here and send him an email here.