Skykomish P.E. teacher pleads not guilty to child rape

Content Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual assault that may be disturbing to some readers.

Skykomish School District, P.E. teacher Daniel L. Bubar, 62, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second- and third-degree rape of a child and communication with a minor for immoral purposes after being charged last Wednesday.

Bubar was arrested on March 6 on suspicion that he engaged in multiple sexual acts with a student when she was 13 and 14 years old. Bubar had previously indicated to police he would admit guilt and remains free on $750,000 bail.

In court documents, deputies said the victim’s mother told them Bubar gave her child multiple gifts, including a mini-skirt, lingerie, and a sex toy. Prosecutors said the abuse took place at the school, community center, and church parking lot.

Skykomish teacher pleads not guilty to child sex crimes

Deputies said Bubar initially denied any physical contact but acknowledged sending inappropriate emails and providing alcohol and other gifts. Investigators said they gathered screenshots, security footage, and additional evidence corroborating the allegations.

Police also acquired security-camera footage from a church in Sultan showing the two speaking on Feb. 20, which police confirmed involved a vehicle registered to Bubar.

According to court documents, the victim told deputies that staff and students at the school had previously expressed concerns about her and Bubar’s relationship, including a secretary and a counselor.

Following Bubar’s arrest, the Skykomish School District emailed families, posted on social media, and informed the community. Superintendent Destry Jones said the district had no prior knowledge of the investigation.

The Skykomish K-12 school, which enrolls approximately 50 students, reopened Monday after closing briefly in response to the arrest. Jones acknowledged the community’s anger and said the district is taking measures to protect students. Some parents have criticized the district’s oversight and called for changes in school leadership.

Parents have also expressed deep concern over how the alleged abuse persisted for multiple school years and why earlier reports of suspicious emails and gift-giving did not appear to prompt intervention by school officials.

Contributing: Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio 

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