Skykomish Teacher Daniel Lee Bubar Arrested for Child Rape

What Families Need to Know

Authorities arrested Daniel Lee Bubar, a physical education teacher and athletic director at Skykomish School District, after detectives with the King County Sheriff’s Office began investigating allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor student.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the small Skykomish community and raised serious questions about student safety, school oversight, and whether warning signs may have been missed.

For families across Washington, the case highlights a troubling reality: sexual abuse in schools often develops gradually through grooming behavior and can continue for months or years before being discovered.

Skykomish Teacher Arrested During School Day

Detectives with the King County Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit arrested Bubar at Skykomish K-12 School during the school day on March 6, 2026.

Authorities initially identified the case as involving one adult staff member and one juvenile student.

Bubar was booked into the King County Jail for investigation of rape of a child. Prosecutors later filed formal criminal charges.

Criminal Charges Filed Against Daniel Lee Bubar

King County prosecutors have charged Bubar with:

• Rape of a child in the second degree

• Rape of a child in the third degree

• Communication with a minor for immoral purposes

Charging documents allege the misconduct occurred between September 2024 and February 2026 and include a predatory sentencing allegation related to the second-degree rape charge.

Bubar is currently being held on $750,000 bail while the criminal case proceeds through the King County Superior Court system.

Allegations Involve a Student Beginning in Seventh Grade

Court documents indicate the alleged victim is a 14-year-old student whose relationship with the teacher reportedly began when she was in seventh grade.

Investigators say the relationship allegedly escalated into sexual contact as the student entered later grades.

Authorities say some incidents reportedly occurred in locations connected to the school, including areas near the gymnasium and other parts of the campus.

Investigation Began After Parent Discovered Evidence

The investigation reportedly began when the student’s mother discovered explicit photos and videos on her daughter’s phone and contacted law enforcement.

Detectives later reviewed evidence that included:

• Email communications

• Screenshots of messages

• Images and digital media

• Surveillance footage

Law enforcement obtained search warrants and conducted interviews as the investigation expanded.

Skykomish School District Closed School Following Arrest

Following the arrest, Skykomish K-12 School temporarily closed, allowing students, staff, and families time to process the situation.

The district described the allegations as extremely serious and said counseling resources would be made available to students.

Parents later attended a tense community meeting demanding answers about how the situation developed.

Skykomish is an extremely small district with approximately 50–60 students across all grades, making the allegations particularly shocking for the community.

Warning Signs of Grooming by Teachers

Many cases involving abuse by teachers follow similar patterns involving grooming behavior.

Common warning signs may include:

• Frequent private communication between a teacher and student

• A teacher spending unusual amounts of time alone with a specific student

• Gift giving or special treatment

• Attempts to isolate a student from peers

• Communication outside normal school channels

When these warning signs are ignored, abuse can continue for months or even years.

When Schools May Be Legally Responsible for Abuse

While criminal charges address the actions of an individual perpetrator, civil cases often examine whether a school district failed to protect students from foreseeable harm.

Schools may be legally responsible if they:

• Ignored warning signs of inappropriate conduct

• Failed to properly supervise staff members

• Failed to report suspected abuse

• Negligently hired or retained an employee

• Allowed unsafe policies or environments to persist

Civil lawsuits can uncover institutional failures and force schools to adopt stronger safety protections.

If You Have Information or Concerns About Abuse

In many cases involving abuse by authority figures, there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

It can be extremely difficult for survivors to report abuse, particularly when the person involved was a trusted adult such as a teacher or coach.

If you or your child experienced inappropriate conduct involving a teacher, coach, or school employee, you may have legal options.

Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what steps may be available to protect your family.

Legal Options for Survivors of School Sexual Abuse in Washington

Washington law allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against both perpetrators and institutions that enabled abuse.

These claims may include:

• Negligent supervision

• Failure to report abuse

• Negligent hiring or retention

• Institutional liability for unsafe school policies

Civil lawsuits can provide compensation for:

• Therapy and mental health treatment

• Emotional trauma

• Educational disruption

• Long-term psychological harm

Washington law also provides extended time limits for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring legal claims.

Speak With a Washington School Abuse Attorney

Cases involving abuse in schools require careful investigation and experienced legal representation.

At Cochran Douglas, PLLC, our attorneys represent victims of sexual abuse and institutional misconduct throughout Washington State.

Our firm is committed to helping survivors pursue justice and holding institutions accountable when their failures allow abuse to occur.

If you have information about abuse involving a teacher, coach, or school employee, we encourage you to reach out.

FAQ: Skykomish Teacher Arrest

Who is Daniel Lee Bubar?

Daniel Lee Bubar is a physical education teacher who worked at Skykomish K-12 School in Skykomish, Washington. He was arrested in March 2026 after a child rape investigation involving a student.

What charges does the Skykomish teacher face?

Prosecutors have charged Bubar with rape of a child in the second degree, rape of a child in the third degree, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Is the investigation still ongoing?

Yes. Authorities have indicated the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Can a school district be sued for teacher sexual abuse?

In some cases, yes. Schools may be held legally responsible if they failed to supervise staff, ignored warning signs, or allowed unsafe conditions that enabled abuse.