BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A former Bellingham Public Schools employee has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault charges.

41-year-old Russ Robinson was charged with third-degree child rape and third-degree child molestation during his arraignment on Friday, Oct. 30.

Court documents state the alleged incident occurred in April 2013 and involved a freshman on the Squalicum High School wrestling team while Robinson was head coach.

An administrator with Bellingham Public Schools told Bellingham Police on Oct. 8 that the former student had reported the incident.

Robinson coached wrestling and football at BPS between 2000 and 2024. He also worked as a campus monitor from 2009 to 2021 and became director of safety and security in 2024 before leaving the district this past June for a job with the Mukilteo School District as their director of athletics and safety.

The Mukilteo School District has since placed Robinson on administrative leave.

Robinson, who currently lives in Marysville, was released from the Whatcom County Jail on Saturday, Oct. 31, after meeting the $100,000 appearance bond.

He is not allowed to contact the alleged victim or anyone under the age of 18 and cannot leave the state.

Robinson is expected back in Whatcom County Superior Court on Nov. 17 ahead of his jury trial scheduled for Dec. 28.