Former Highland Christian principal’s trial date set for January

Former Highland Christian School Principal Mark Brown came one step closer to his trial Sept. 11.

Brown was charged with the rape of a child in the third degree in Snohomish County Superior Court July 23, posted bond on a $100,000 bail, and was fired from HCS July 25.

At his Sept. 11 hearing in Snohomish County Superior Court, an omnibus hearing was set for Oct. 23, for prosecutors and defense attorneys to exchange their evidence, including their respective lists of witnesses that they intend to present.

The Sept. 11 hearing also served as an agreement of trial continuance, setting a trial date of Jan. 23 for Brown.

Brown, 37, was hired by Highland as their principal three years ago, when the school was called Master’s Touch Christian School.

According to charging papers by Snohomish County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe, Brown had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old Highland student June 12, after encouraging her to run away from home and promising her a place to stay at the school.

Superior Court Judge Eric Lucas has ordered Brown not to have any contact with the girl, or with any other minor children unless their parents are aware of the charge.

HCS office manager Linda Wallitner emphasized that Brown’s firing did not constitute a statement of opinion about his guilt or innocence, since he “broke some of the rules” in his contract with the school.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Kirk Boxleitner at kboxleitner@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5052.

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