Aberdeen elementary school teacher arrested on suspicion of child rape

MARYSVILLE, Wash. — Investigators with the Marysville Police Department, along with the Aberdeen Police Department, arrested a 35-year-old man for his alleged role in the 2017 sexual assault of an 11-year-old relative, police said Thursday.

Marysville Police say Aberdeen resident Ryan Harless was taken into custody as he left work on Wednesday. Harless is currently employed as an elementary teacher in the Aberdeen School District, police said.

“Marysville Police became aware of the accusations against Harless on February 7th 2019 when the victim’s mother, who still lives in Marysville, called the police. The victim who is currently living in Florida recently disclosed to his mother the assault. Marysville detectives worked with Florida law enforcement,” the department said in a news release.

Police said the Aberdeen School District was made aware of Harless’ arrest shortly after he was taken into custody.

Records show Harless has never worked for the Marysville School District.

“A second relative of Harless has come forward, reporting that he was victimized by Harless several times between June 2004 and June 2005, when he was 11 years old,” police said.

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The alleged assaults in 2004 and 2005 happened outside of Snohomish County and additional charges are being reviewed by the jurisdiction’s prosecutor’s office, police said.

Harless was transported from Aberdeen to the Snohomish County Jail and was booked on one count of suspicion of Rape of a Child 1st degree.

"This is still an active investigation, and as such there are still leads to be followed," said Detective Sergeant James Maples, of the Marysville Police Department.

"Our experience in cases of this nature is that there could be additional victims that have not yet come forward. We are asking that any victims please contact their local law enforcement agency and make a report," said Marysville Detective Craig Bartl.

Police said those agencies can coordinate with the Marysville Police Department and reference case number 2019-00007572.

Cox Media Group