Principal accused of child rape was investigated in the past

By Diana Hefley Herald Writer ARLINGTON -- The principal of a private school in Arlington accused of child rape involving a student has been investigated in the past for allegations of sexual misconduct with underage girls, according to state officials. Before Mark Evan Brown, 37, was hired to lead Highland Christian School three years ago, he was a wrestling coach at Concrete High School in Skagit County. School officials there called Child Protective Services in March 2004 after allegations surfaced that Brown "had sexual contact with several female students," said Steve Williams, a spokesman for the state Department of Social and Health Services. State officials reported the allegations to the Skagit County Sheriff's Office, Williams said. Brown was released from his coaching contract in Concrete. What happened to the... [read full story]