According to reports in the Seattle Times and KIRO 7 TV, Ballard High School soccer coach and teacher’s aide Meghan Miller was charged with third-degree child molestation and two counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.
Miller is accused of sexually abusing a Ballard High School student for more than two years. The girl was a 14-year-old freshman when the two met and 15 when she and Miller had their first sexual encounter during a summer athletic camp, according to the Seattle police detective who investigated the case.
Court documents allege Miller had sexual encounters with the girl on and off school grounds, including inside her Ballard High School office and in the locker room.
“The defendant told the victim not to tell anyone about the abuse, thereby creating a situation where it could continue for a significant period of time,” wrote Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emily Petersen in court documents obtained by KIRO 7.
"I'm really good friends with one of the players on varsity, like a girls player, and yeah, they said that they got called into an emergency meeting,” said Krisna Lafrance, who told KIRO 7 he plays soccer for the school where Miller coached girls and boys.
"I saw her afterwards and she was really sad,” said Lafrance. “She was like, devastated.”
Miller was booked on Friday into the King County Jail.
In October, investigators said the student told a friend about the alleged on-going sexual relationship. That friend then told an employee at Ballard High School who went to school administrators, according to court documents.
Ballard High School Principal Kevin Wynkoop said in a letter to parents that Miller had been placed on administrative leave.
"I'm shocked and yet, at the same time, not entirely surprised,” said BHS parent Jenny Rhodes. “It happens."
Police initially offered to allow Miller to turn herself in but, through an attorney, she declined, according to prosecutors. An arraignment, where Miller can enter a plea, is expected next month.
Miller’s bail is listed at $100,000.
