EVERETT — Edmonds police arrested a teaching assistant on Monday after parents discovered concerning text messages on their daughter’s phone from the 46-year-old man.
On Saturday, parents of a 15-year-old student at Edmonds-Woodway High School found the messages, which appeared to show an ongoing sexual relationship between their daughter and the teaching assistant, according to an Edmonds Police Department social media post. Investigators believe the inappropriate contact has been occurring for close to five years, based on initial details.
In a message shared with families from the schools the staff member worked at, a district spokesperson said they are fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
“We recognize how alarming and upsetting this news may be for students, families, and staff,” the spokesperson said in the message. “The safety and well-being of our students are always our highest priority.”
The man, a paraeducator at Edmonds-Woodway High School and Madrona K-8 School, has been put on administrative leave and will be “trespassed from all school and district property,” the spokesperson said.
On Monday, law enforcement arrested the suspect at his residence in the unincorporated Edmonds area and booked him into the Snohomish County Jail on suspicion of third-degree rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.
As of Tuesday, charges have not been filed.
Investigators will determine if there are other victims, the post said. This remains an ongoing investigation.
Jenna Millikan: 425-339-3035; jenna.millikan@heraldnet.com. X: @JennaMillikan
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