Federal Way teacher accused of molesting student appears in court

A Federal Way teacher accused of molesting a female student appeared in a King County courtroom today for an initial appearance before a judge.

The 52-year-old man was arrested Wednesday at Twin Lakes Elementary School after an 11-year-old girl told her mother that she had been molested during band practice on April 16.

The girl told police that she had been struggling with a song and the teacher stood behind her. The girl said that while she played the teacher squeezed her buttocks repeatedly, according to Federal Way police.

Police are investigating whether other students may have been molested by the teacher. The teacher, who has been with the district nine years, is being held at the King County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. The Seattle Times is not naming him because he has not been charged.

Students at the school were sent home with letters Wednesday explaining that the man is on administrative leave. A tip line — 253-945-SAFE — has been created for parents to call and report crime involving schoolchildren.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com