EXCLUSIVE: Mercer Island school district warns families after former coach linked to child exploitation material probe

The Mercer Island School District is once again warning families about allegations involving an adult in a position of trust, the second such case in recent years to raise serious questions about how the district identifies and responds to potential misconduct involving students. In this case, it's a former coach who is alleged to have child pornography.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Fred Rundle said the district was notified on March 20 that Josh Krafsky, a former Mercer Island High School soccer coach and substitute paraeducator, is the subject of a law enforcement investigation involving alleged possession of child sexual abuse material and possible inappropriate conduct with a minor. 

According to the letter, Krafsky, who also coached with Bellevue United Football Club, has been barred from any further involvement with the district. The letter stated that officials from all three organizations are cooperating with investigators. Law enforcement has not publicly detailed the full scope of the case, and the district emphasized it has no indication that the alleged misconduct involved Mercer Island School District students or programs.

Still, the decision to notify the community quickly reflects what Superintendent Rundle described as the seriousness of the allegations. “I am incensed and frustrated,” Rundle wrote. “This is the antithesis of everything our District and I stand for.”

But for many parents, the news lands in the shadow of a previous case that unfolded very differently, and far more quietly. The Krafsky investigation comes just months after the district faced intense scrutiny over its handling of allegations against former English teacher Gary “Chris” Twombley.

In that case, administrators received a tip as early as 2016 that Twombley had sent troubling messages to a student. Records later showed the warning was dismissed, with little follow-up. Years later, in 2023, a former student told police she had been in a sexual relationship with Twombley when she was 17. Prosecutors said they could prove the abuse occurred but declined to file charges because the statute of limitations had expired.

Twombley was placed on paid leave for more than a year before resigning in 2025 under a settlement worth over $70,000. He surrendered his Washington teaching license but remains free to work with youth outside the state.

The case sparked outrage among parents and at least one school board member, who described a culture more focused on limiting legal exposure than protecting students or identifying additional victims.

Unlike the Twombley case, where the district waited years to inform the public, officials moved quickly to notify families about the allegations involving Krafsky, even before investigators released details.

The district also emphasized coordination with outside youth organizations, crediting Mercer Island Football Club and Bellevue United for alerting officials promptly. That shift may reflect lessons learned from the earlier controversy, which drew criticism for a lack of transparency and delayed action. Still, questions remain about whether bigger structural changes have been made to prevent misconduct or ensure early warnings are taken seriously.

The allegations come amid broader concerns across Washington about adults in youth-serving roles, including coaches, teachers, and volunteers, being accused of sexual misconduct. Rundle acknowledged that reality in his message, calling the situation part of a “deeply disturbing pattern” affecting schools and youth organizations. The district said it is continuing student safety initiatives, including work with Praesidium, a national organization focused on abuse prevention. Officials also reiterated their commitment to mandatory reporting requirements.

Counselors have been made available in schools, and families are being encouraged to talk with their children about boundaries and reporting concerns. Anyone with information related to the Krafsky investigation is urged to contact law enforcement.