Russell Kert Robinson, who was 28 at the time of the alleged assault in spring 2013, faces one count of third-degree rape of a child and one count of third-degree child molestation, both Class C felonies. He was arrested Oct. 29 and released from the Whatcom County Jail on Oct. 31 after posting $100,000 bail, jail records show.

The case began in October when the Bellingham School District's assistant superintendent for human resources contacted police after a former student came forward, according to a police narrative. The former student, identified in court documents as A.K., told detectives that Robinson — then a wrestling and football coach at Squalicum High School — spent months deliberately cultivating relationships with him and a group of freshman friends, inviting them to activities outside school.

A.K. said the assault occurred when he was alone with Robinson at a mutual friend's house. He told police he was afraid to report it at the time because he had heard Robinson owned many guns and feared Robinson would harm him. Police interviews with people who knew A.K. in high school corroborated that fear, according to the documents.

Probable cause documents state that after completing interviews with A.K. and others, investigators concluded it was dangerous for Robinson to remain around children in his role as Mukilteo's athletics director. The Mukilteo School District said in a statement that it has placed Robinson on administrative leave.

Robinson, when reached for comment, said he had no comment on the allegations.

The Bellingham School District called the arrest and the details of the case "deeply concerning and upsetting." The district also said that before Robinson left Bellingham, he worked on district-wide health and safety responsibilities and served as the district's safety and security director in 2024.

The charges raise fresh questions about how school systems screen and supervise adults entrusted with student safety — and about whether warning signs were missed when Robinson moved between districts. For parents in Mukilteo, the case arrives as a shock: the man responsible for overseeing athletics across the district is now accused of exploiting his coaching role to gain access to a child.

A.K.'s decision to come forward after more than a decade underscores how long survivors of childhood sexual abuse often wait before reporting, particularly when they fear retaliation. Police records indicate his account was consistent and supported by people who knew him at the time.

The case remains pending in Whatcom County. No trial date has been set.