REDMOND, Wash. — A Northshore School District teacher was charged this week with allegedly attempting to rape a child, according to court documents.
John Erwin Butz, 61, was arrested Dec. 10 during an operation by several police agencies, including the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. The operation targets people believed to be involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
In mid-November, Butz responded to an online ad seeking a tutor for two young girls. Upon communicating with and meeting undercover officers, the man was arrested at a Redmond hotel where police say the man believed he was meeting underage girls for illicit purposes.
Butz was charged Dec. 12 with one count of second-degree attempted rape of a child.
Charging documents note that Butz, who is a teacher at the Northshore School District’s Leota Middle School and girls’ basketball coach, has worked as a teacher for approximately 30 years.
"The safety of children within our broader community and Northshore School District is our top priority,” the district said in a statement to KING 5. “When the Redmond Police Department notified the District of the arrest, the staff member was immediately placed on administrative leave. The District will continue to support the police investigation as needed.”
Redmond police said while there is the potential for additional victims, there was no immediate threat to students in the Northshore district.
Anyone who believes their child may be a victim is asked to contact their local police agency.