Daniel Lee Bubar Criminal Charges Reveal Pattern of Abuse

 

Newly filed criminal charges in King County Superior Court provide disturbing details about allegations against a Skykomish K-12 School teacher accused of sexually abusing a student over an extended period of time.

According to official court documents, Daniel Lee Bubar, a physical education teacher and athletic director in Skykomish, Washington, has been charged with multiple felony offenses involving a minor student.

These filings offer the most detailed account to date of the alleged conduct and raise serious questions about how the abuse allegedly continued for years and whether earlier intervention could have prevented it.

Criminal Charges Filed in King County Superior Court

The King County Prosecuting Attorney has formally 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

Prosecutors have also alleged that the conduct was predatory in nature, which may carry significant sentencing consequences under Washington law.

Prosecutors Describe “Horrific Abuse of Power”

In a separate filing requesting bail and conditions of release, prosecutors described the case as involving a “horrific abuse of power” by a trusted adult in a position of authority.

According to the State’s allegations:

• The defendant was 62 years old at the time of the alleged conduct
• The alleged victim was 13–14 years old
• The abuse occurred over the course of the student’s 8th and 9th grade years

Prosecutors allege repeated sexual acts occurred, including multiple incidents over time, and that the defendant exercised manipulative influence over the student, convincing her they were in a relationship.

The State has argued that the defendant poses a significant risk to the community and to other minors, requesting strict conditions including no contact with minors and continued detention.

Investigation Reveals Alleged Grooming and Long-Term Relationship

The probable cause statement outlines allegations that the relationship developed over time through grooming behavior.

Throughout Bubar's interview with detectives, he stated several times that he was "guilty" and requested to be placed in jail.

According to investigators:

• The student first met the teacher in 7th grade and bonded over soccer
• The teacher allegedly gave the student special attention, gifts, and privileges
• Communication allegedly occurred through school email accounts, sometimes using coded language

The relationship allegedly escalated into sexual conduct beginning in 8th grade and continuing into 9th grade.

Allegations of Abuse on School Grounds

Court documents indicate that some of the alleged abuse occurred inside Skykomish K-12 School, including:

• The gymnasium
• Closets and stairwells
• The teacher’s office
• Other areas of campus

According to the probable cause certification, the alleged conduct occurred during the school day, including before school, during lunch, and during free periods.

These allegations raise serious concerns about supervision and whether warning signs were visible to staff. 

Evidence Described in Court Filings

The investigation reportedly includes multiple forms of evidence, including:

• Digital communications and emails between the teacher and student
• Photos and videos discovered by the student’s parent
• Physical items allegedly provided to the student, including clothing and sexual items
• Surveillance footage showing contact between the two
• Statements from the student and witnesses

Investigators also allege the defendant admitted to:

• Excessive communication with the student
• Purchasing gifts, including intimate items
• Providing alcohol to the student
• Engaging in inappropriate conduct after initial denials

Warning Signs Were Allegedly Known

According to the court filings, multiple individuals, including staff and students, had expressed concerns about the relationship prior to the criminal investigation.

The documents also indicate that:

• School staff were aware of frequent communication between the teacher and student
• The principal had instructed the teacher not to be alone with the student
• Concerns had been raised months before the investigation began

Despite these concerns, the alleged relationship reportedly continued.

What This Case Means for Families in Washington

Cases like this highlight a critical issue: sexual abuse in schools often develops gradually and may continue when early warning signs are not addressed.

Parents should be aware of common indicators of grooming behavior, including:

• Private or excessive communication with a student
• Special treatment or gift-giving
• Isolation from peers
• Secretive behavior or coded communication

When these warning signs are ignored, children may remain at risk.

If Your Child Had Contact With This Teacher

In cases involving long-term abuse, it is not uncommon for additional victims or witnesses to come forward later.

If your child attended Skykomish K-12 School or had contact with this teacher and you have concerns, it is important to take those concerns seriously.

Speaking with an attorney can help you understand:

• Whether your child may have been affected
• What legal options are available
• How to protect your family moving forward

Legal Options for Victims of School Sexual Abuse in Washington

Under Washington law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have the right to pursue civil claims against both the perpetrator and the institutions that enabled the abuse.

These claims may include:

• Negligent supervision
• Failure to report abuse
• Negligent hiring or retention
• Institutional liability for unsafe policies
• Gender Based Sexual Discrimination under Washington's Law Against Discrimination 

Civil cases can help survivors obtain compensation for:

• Therapy and medical care
• Emotional trauma
• Educational disruption
• Long-term psychological harm

Speak With Cochran Douglas, PLLC -- Confidential Consultation

Cases involving abuse by teachers require experienced legal representation and careful investigation.

At Cochran Douglas, PLLC, we represent survivors of sexual abuse and hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect children.

If you have information about this case - or concerns about a similar situation - we encourage you to reach out.

Your consultation is completely confidential.