A Bellevue School District art teacher was arrested last week for allegedly raping a former student for several years while she attended the school, however, formal charges have not yet been filed.
Regan Brewer, 50, who taught at Cherry Crest Elementary and Clyde Hill Elementary, was arrested by Bellevue Police at about 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 during a traffic stop at the request of the investigating officer, according to the Bellevue Police. The probable cause affidavit incorrectly states he was arrested at the school, a Bellevue police spokesperson told the Reporter.
He was released from the King County Jail the next day, according to Bellevue Police Det. Amanda Jensen. The King County Prosecutor’s Office reported at that time it was awaiting the completion of the BPD’s investigation.
It’s unclear at this time what led to one of Brewer’s former students reporting she’d been sexually abused by the art teacher from 2003-2007 — kindergarten to third grade at the school’s former location.
The affidavit states the alleged incidents occurred both before and after school.
The investigation is ongoing and police continue to interview Brewer, however a spokesperson stated the police do not think there are other victims.
“At this time there appears to be a single victim,” Tyler told the Reporter.
Brewer denied the allegations when questioned by police prior to his arrest, saying he students do come into his art class before and after school for various reasons, but never touched any student inappropriately.
The affidavit states Brewer was also investigated in 1999 for suspicion of possessing child pornography, but no charges were ever filed.
Following the arrest, Brewer was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, according to the Bellevue School District.
Cherry Crest Elementary principal Liz Ritz, and Clyde Hill Elementary principal Mary Olin each sent out a letter to parents on Jan. 28, stating the district will not conduct its own investigation until the criminal investigation is complete.
“Allegations of inappropriate conduct by any adult are taken very seriously,” Ritz wrote. “Parents may understandably be concerned that a teacher, a trusted adult who had regular contact with their child, is being investigated for inappropriate contact with a minor.”
School counselors were on hand to speak with any students about their feelings and concerns, she stated in the letter and outlined some strategies that could help their children understand and cope.
District Superintendent J. Tim Mills also issued a letter, stating Brewer will not have access to district facilities and is prohibited from communicating with staff and students while the investigation continues.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office reports the investigation is ongoing.
Original Story
A Cherry Crest Elementary art teacher was arrested Tuesday night after police received reported allegations of child rape and molestation.
Regan Brewer, 50, was taken into custody by Bellevue Police on Jan. 27. He was released from the King County Jail the next day, according to Bellevue Police Det. Amanda Jensen.
As of press time Brewer had yet to be formally charged by prosecutors as the investigation is ongoing, according to King County District Attorney’s office.
Det. Jensen said she couldn’t comment on what led to Brewer’s arrest, only that he was not taken into custody at the school and that the alleged incident involved a minor.
Following the arrest, Brewer was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, according to the Bellevue School District.
A spokeswoman for Bellevue School District, told the Reporter the school was operating as normal Wednesday, but couldn’t comment further as to what was happening with the classes Brewer taught.
Cherry Crest Elementary principal Liz Ritz sent out a letter to parents Wednesday, stating the district will not conduct its own investigation until the criminal investigation is complete.
“Allegations of inappropriate conduct by any adult are taken very seriously,” Ritz wrote. “Parents may understandably be concerned that a teacher, a trusted adult who had regular contact with their child, is being investigated for inappropriate contact with a minor.”
School counselors were on hand to speak with any students about their feelings and concerns, she stated in the letter and outlined some strategies that could help their children understand and cope.
Ritz stated it’s important for parents to maintain their composure as children often model the behavior of their parents and may look to them for cues on how to react. She also asked parents to make themselves available to their children, as they may need extra time and attention from them, especially as they may have questions.
The principal said she and district employees will not be able to comment on this matter as it may impede the criminal investigation.
Ritz ended the letter asking parents to be mindful of what’s said versus what’s fact.
“I also want to strongly discourage any speculation as this is an ongoing investigation and rumors can be very harmful to students and staff,” she wrote.
