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A former Garfield High School coach charged with raping a student has been found to have violated the conditions of his electronic home monitoring, according to KUOW. Walter Junior Jones, 47, has been under electronic surveillance since 2021 as he awaits trial in King County Superior Court on felony child rape charges after being accused of repeatedly raping a student while coaching at Garfield High School, located at 400 23rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.
Jones faces two felony child rape charges in King County Superior Court. He is accused of forcibly raping the girl when she was 13, in 2013, when he was a volunteer weight training coach at the Seattle high school, and she was a middle school student practicing with the high school team. Jones allegedly sexually assaulted the girl repeatedly for the next two years, and threatened to kill her and her family if she ever reported him, according to court records.
The disturbing revelations came to light when Seattle Public Schools officials notified county detention staff that Jones was seen attending numerous high school sporting events between December and February, including at Garfield, Chief Sealth International, Ballard, Ingraham, Bellevue High Schools, and Eastside Catholic School. This was in direct violation of the terms of his electronic monitoring, which barred him from any contact with minors.
Ankle monitor GPS records confirmed that Jones was present at these school events, as well as at Garfield High School or the neighboring Garfield Teen Life Center on eight additional occasions during the same time period. This blatant disregard for the court's restrictions has prompted swift action.
In a hearing, Judge Melinda Young found that Jones' attendance at the school sporting events was a clear violation of his electronic home monitoring conditions. Prosecutors' request to restrict his 20-hour daily work pass was approved, with the judge limiting the pass to end at 10 p.m. and reiterating that Jones is not to be present at any youth sporting events.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with the father of Jones' girlfriend's 16-year-old daughter expressing grave concerns. "It's crazy to hear a judge re-stipulate that he's not allowed to be around my 16-year-old daughter when he's already been living with her," said Littleton Miller. "No child should live in fear inside their own home nor have to lock their bedroom door day and night, as she's consistently been doing."
The implications of this breach of trust are far-reaching, as Seattle Public Schools, the courts, and the electronic home monitoring system face intense scrutiny for their perceived failures in protecting the community's children. Jones' child rape trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 13, and the public awaits the outcome with bated breath, seeking justice and accountability.
The shocking revelations surrounding the former Garfield High School coach accused of raping a student have sent shockwaves through the community. As the case continues to unfold, with the coach found to have brazenly violated the terms of his electronic home monitoring, it has become clear that the safety and well-being of students must be the top priority. We sat down with Mike Pfau, an experienced child sexual abuse lawyer in Washington, to discuss the legal rights available for those who have been sexually abused by a school coach, and how to hold negligent parties accountable.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us today to discuss this disturbing case. As an experienced lawyer representing child sexual abuse cases, what legal options are available for victims sexually abused by a school coach?
Mike Pfau: Well, Darla, this is a truly heartbreaking situation. These victims can file a civil lawsuit against the school district for allegedly allowing the abuse to occur, both by a coach. That is an important avenue for seeking justice and holding the school accountable for its failures to protect this student.
Darla Medina: What advice would you give to other victims of sexual abuse by a school coach or staff member?
Mike Pfau: My advice to other victims would be to come forward and seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Time is often of the essence in these cases, as evidence can be lost and memories can fade. It's crucial to have an experienced attorney who can navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. Additionally, I would encourage victims to seek support from counseling services and victim advocacy groups, as the healing process can be long and challenging.
Darla Medina: Thank you for your valuable insight on this disturbing case and the legal options available for victims of sexual abuse by school staff. It's clear that the safety and wellbeing of students must be the top priority, and this case highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within our educational institutions.
Mike Pfau: You're welcome, Darla. This case is a sobering reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting our children and holding all responsible parties accountable. Only then can we begin to restore trust and ensure that no child has to endure the trauma of sexual abuse within the very places they should feel safe.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse by a school coach or staff member, we urge you to reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation. Our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and holding negligent institutions accountable. Together, we can work towards restoring trust, seeking justice, and ensuring that no child has to endure the horrors of abuse within the very place they should feel safe. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
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