EVERETT — A Mukilteo School District administrator is facing child molestation charges for an alleged assault that occurred while he was employed in the Bellingham School District more than a decade ago.
Russell Robinson, 41, of Marysville, was booked into the Whatcom County Jail last week on suspicion of third-degree rape of a child and third-degree child molestation, according to court documents.
Robinson was hired by the Mukilteo School District in June to serve as the district’s director of athletics and safety. The school district said Robinson was placed on administrative leave immediately after it learned of the charges on Oct. 29, according to a statement posted to the district’s website on Tuesday.
Bellingham police began investigating in early October after a former student reported he was sexually assaulted by Robinson in April 2013, charging documents said.
Robinson, who was 28 at the time of the alleged assault, reportedly befriended a group of teens, including the victim, hanging out with the boys and taking them on camping trips, a police report said.
Robinson is accused of assaulting the victim under the guise of giving the teen a massage for an injured hip, charging documents said. The victim, who was 14 at the time, reportedly told police he was scared to report the incident out of fear Robinson would retaliate against him.
According to the allegations, the assault occurred while Robinson worked at Squalicum High School as head wrestling coach and an assistant football coach. Robinson later held district-wide health and safety responsibilities and became director of safety and security for the Bellingham School District in 2024, a release from Bellingham schools said.
The Mukilteo School District said Robinson was hired in June after undergoing a state and federal criminal background check.
In its release, Mukilteo schools said it was closely monitoring the situation and evaluating further employment action as additional information becomes available and in accordance with district policy.
A Bellingham police spokesperson said Robinson bailed out of jail on Saturday after receiving $100,000 bond during his initial court appearance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 17, according to online records.
Bellingham police shared a list of resources in Whatcom County that provide support for survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
Lummi Victims of Crime, 360-312-2015
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, 360-715-1563
WWU SAS, 360-650-7982 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m, to 4 p.m.)
Brigid Collins Family Support Center 360-734-4616
Ian Davis-Leonard: 425-339-3097; ian.davis-leonard@heraldnet.com
