BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Three Bellingham School District officials are facing criminal charges for improperly handling a report of sexual assault of a student.
The Bellingham Police Department says a detective was assigned to investigate the case on February 3rd and found probable cause to arrest a juvenile for indecent liberties with a juvenile victim.
The unlawful sexual contact was found to have happened on Squalicum High School grounds in November and December 2021.
The victim reported the incidents to the Dean of Students at Squalicum, Jeremy Louzao, on January 14th and he assured them that a safety agreement would be put in place.
The suspect violated the terms of the agreement four days later and the victim reported to another school official, Meghan Dunham, and found the agreement hadn’t been completed.
The agreement was eventually completed on January 21st, and the victim went to police on February 2nd.
Maude Hackney, who is currently Assistant Principal at Bellingham High School, then arranged a meeting between the victim and the suspect.
The Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office has issued criminal citations to the three school officials for failing to report the sexual assaults to police or child protective services.
The charge is a gross misdemeanor.
School personnel are among those required by state law to report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect.
Bellingham Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker says in a statement that the three staff members continue to work in their respective positions and have his support to do so.
He says the allegations against them don’t reflect conduct that would endanger students.