(The Center Square) – A Redmond High School counselor who makes a six-figure salary has been arrested following a report by a student to Lake Washington School District staff alleging an inappropriate sexual relationship with the counselor.
Derik Detweiler, 35, allegedly had a relationship with a 17-year-old girl who came forward to Lake Washington School District staff on May 22.
Redmond High School placed Detweiler on administrative leave and notified Redmond police.
“We are thankful to the student for having the courage to come forward, as this relationship likely would have continued,” Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe said in a news release.
It took eight days for an investigation to develop sufficient evidence and secure a warrant for his arrest.
Redmond detectives tracked Detweiler to Wyoming, and on May 30, the local authorities there took him into custody without incident. He remains in custody in Wyoming pending extradition back to Washington.
Detweiler has been a school counselor within the Lake Washington School District since the 2021-2022 school year. That year, his starting salary was $94,817, according to data from Washington.
It increased 16% to $110,072 last school year. Detweiler’s salary information is not available online yet. According to data from Indeed, the average school counselor salary in Washington is $111,544.
School counselors work one-on-one with students and provide advice and guidance to help students determine their school, career and personal goals.
Detweiler is being charged with communication with a minor for immoral purposes, sexual misconduct with a minor in the second degree, and furnishing liquor to a minor.
“Lake Washington School District takes the protection of students very seriously,” said Lake Washington School District Superintendent Jon Holmen. “At this time, we will make no further comment out of respect for student confidentiality and the integrity of the investigative process.
