Mukilteo administrator charged in 2013 student rape case

Russell Robinson, 41, was booked into the Whatcom County Jail last week on suspicion of third-degree rape of a child and third-degree child molestation.

Robinson currently serves as the director of athletics and safety for the Mukilteo School District. The district placed him on administrative leave on Oct. 29 after learning of the charges, according to a statement on its website.

Bellingham police began investigating in early October after a former student reported an alleged sexual assault. The complaint stated the incident happened in April 2013.

Robinson was 28 at the time of the alleged assault. Police reports indicate he befriended a group of teenagers, including the victim, by hanging out with them and taking them on camping trips.

The victim was 14 when the alleged assault occurred. Charging documents state Robinson claimed he was giving the teen a massage for an injured hip. The victim told police he was afraid to report the incident sooner because he feared retaliation.

At the time of the alleged assault, Robinson worked at Squalicum High School as the head wrestling coach and an assistant football coach. He later took on district-wide health and safety roles and became the director of safety and security for the Bellingham School District in 2024.

The Mukilteo School District said Robinson was hired in June after passing state and federal criminal background checks. The district said it is monitoring the situation and evaluating further employment actions as more information becomes available.

Robinson posted a $100,000 bond and was released from jail on Saturday following his initial court appearance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 17.