Dec. 10, 2024 — Redmond, Wash. Redmond Police Department detectives, along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, arrested John E. Butz, a 61-year-old teacher from Snohomish at Leota Middle School in the Northshore School District, during a sting operation targeting child exploitation at a local hotel.
Butz faces charges of attempted rape of a child, listed as first degree by Redmond police and second degree in court documents.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Redmond detectives, along with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), arrested a Northshore School District teacher for attempted rape of a child in the first degree.
— RedmondWaPD (@RedmondWaPD) December 12, 2024
John E. Butz, 61, of Snohomish, was arrested in Redmond during an online… pic.twitter.com/ys40HRdLHm
The operation stemmed from online communications in mid-November, where Butz responded to a police-posted Craigslist ad posing as a tutor for two girls, ages 9 and 12.
He allegedly expressed interest in sexual activities with the children and arranged to meet an undercover detective posing as their mother at the Redmond hotel, where he was taken into custody.
“The safety of children within our broader community and Northshore School District is our top priority. When the Redmond Police Department notified the District of the arrest, the staff member was immediately placed on administrative leave. The District will continue to support the police investigation as needed.”
The district notified families that the arrest is unrelated to any Northshore students and emphasized cooperation with authorities.
Butz, who also coached girls’ basketball and had taught for about 30 years, appeared in court the following day and was held in King County Jail on $50,000 bail.
Redmond police stated there is no immediate threat to district students but urged anyone believing their child may be a victim to contact local law enforcement.
During his arrest, Butz reportedly claimed it was a misunderstanding and that he only intended to pursue a sexual relationship with the undercover operative.
The multi-agency effort highlights ongoing operations against online child predators. Prosecutors anticipated a formal charging decision shortly after the arrest.
