Sheriff's office investigating rape report at Sultan Middle School

The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and Sultan School District are looking into rape allegations reported on the Sultan Middle School campus last Wednesday.

No arrests have been made, according to the sheriff's office, and the investigation is active. School district administrators responded publicly to concerns about the reported sexual misconduct with a letter addressed to families, which was also posted on social media.

District superintendent Dan Chaplik and Sultan Middle School principal Nathan Plummer wrote they are aware of the incident, and are working with the sheriff's office. They stressed no adults were involved, and that the allegations involved two students, which the sheriff's office confirmed.

“We have been aware of the incident since the day it took place and Sultan Middle School took measures to ensure that all students on campus were safe,” the administrators wrote in their joint letter.

The letter states little information can be released because minors are involved. They are protected under federal law, specifically the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Chaplik and Plummer wrote they did want to dispel allegations being made on social media that any current or former staff members played a role. Parents discussing the letter on social media said they had wanted more information from the school district and sooner.

Chaplik and Plummer asked people to refrain from making guesses in regards to the incident.

“Due to the sensitive nature of this event, we are requesting that any further speculation cease, in order to protect the young people involved,” according to their letter.

The letter did not specify the date of the interaction or provide specifics, such as whether the incident occurred on campus. Chaplik and Plummer wrote there will be appropriate consequences once the sheriff’s office concludes its investigation.

They asked anyone who may have information on what happened to contact the sheriff's office. Chaplik did not immediately respond to a request for comment.