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In Skykomish, Washington, a 62-year-old physical education teacher and athletic director at Skykomish K-12 School was arrested on Friday (March 6) on suspicion of sexually abusing a student for more than a year. The arrest followed a discovery by the student's mother, who found nude images and videos on her daughter's phone and contacted law enforcement.
The King County Sheriff’s Office booked the teacher as part of an investigation into the rape of a child. The teacher, identified as Daniel Lee Bubar, has been charged with second- and third-degree child rape and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. He is being held on $750,000 bail and is expected to enter a plea on March 16.
The alleged abuse began when the student, now 14, transferred to the school in seventh grade. According to investigators, the student and Bubar bonded over a shared interest in soccer after she experienced the traumatic loss of a friend. The relationship reportedly became sexual in eighth grade, involving interactions in various locations on campus, including closets and the gymnasium.
The Skykomish School District expressed shock and concern over the allegations, announcing the school would remain closed until Monday to allow the community time to process the events. The district plans to conduct an independent investigation and has assured parents that a King County deputy sheriff will be on school grounds when classes resume.
The district has also committed to providing counseling for students and staff and reviewing safety protocols. The King County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, with no additional victims identified at this time.
The school district has promised transparency and has asked community members to respect the privacy of those involved. The investigation remains active, and findings will be presented to the King County Prosecutor’s Office for further action.