SeaTac elementary school teacher acquitted on child rape charges

KENT, Wash. — A King County jury on Thursday found a teacher at a SeaTac elementary school not guilty of rape charges involving a former student.


Darcy Smith, 42, of Renton, was accused of having sex with a student she took into her home as a troubled 12-year-old. He said they started having sex two years later.

Smith's attorney Brad Merryhew said Smith has been vindicated by the verdict and will now begin rebuilding the reputation she had built as an award-winning teacher.

"Darcy and her family want to thank all of those former students, colleagues, and friends who have expressed their unwavering support and belief in her innocence throughout a difficult time," Merryhew said.

Smith has been on administrative leave from McMicken Heights Elementary where she had been teaching sixth grade.

Highline School District spokeswoman Catherine Carbone Rogers said the district will now complete a review, which was pre-empted by the police investigation and court proceedings.