Northshore School District teacher charged with attempted rape of a child

REDMOND, Wash. – A Northshore School District teacher was charged this week with alleged attempted rape of a child, according to court documents.

John Erwin Butz, 61, was arrested on December 10 during an operation involving multiple police agencies, including the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The operation targets individuals believed to be involved in child sexual abuse and exploitation.

In mid-November, Butz responded to an online ad looking for a tutor for two young girls. After communicating with and meeting undercover officers, the man was arrested at a hotel in Redmond, where police said the man believed he was meeting underage girls for illegal purposes.

Butz was charged Dec. 12 with attempted second-degree rape of a child.

Charging documents say Butz, a teacher at Northshore School District’s Leota Middle School and girls’ basketball coach, has been a teacher for about 30 years.

“The safety of children in our greater community and the Northshore School District is our top priority,” the district said in a statement to KING 5. “When the Redmond Police Department notified the district of the arrest, the employee was immediately taken to the Taken into Administrative Detention The District will continue to assist police investigations as necessary.”

Redmond police said while there is a possibility of additional victims, there is no immediate threat to students in the Northshore district.

Anyone who believes their child may be a victim is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.