Jan. 3—The janitor at Pullman elementary schools who is accused of child rape and molestation has been placed on leave while the case against him is pending, according to the school district.
Pullman Public Schools Superintendent Bob Maxwell released a statement Friday morning to district families and staff in regard to 51-year-old Eric Robins, who was arrested by Pullman police officers Tuesday night.
Maxwell clarified that Robins is a night janitor at Jefferson and Sunnyside elementary schools in Pullman. Both Maxwell and court documents stressed that the sexual assault allegations are not related to Robins’ employment, Pullman schools students or district operations in any way.
Maxwell’s statement noted that student safety remains the school district’s highest priority. He said Robins had completed all required background checks and screenings before his employment. Maxwell said there was nothing at that time that would have prevented him from working for the school district.
Robins’ criminal history was revealed by prosecutors Wednesday afternoon in Colfax’s Whitman County Superior Court. His most recent conviction was a misdemeanor plea in 2019 in Moscow for failing to remain at the scene of a crime, assault and reckless driving. Other older convictions include aggravated assault with a firearm under a different alias in 2002 in Louisiana, and a military authority fugitive arrest warrant in 1997 in California.
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Maxwell stated that the school district is taking the situation seriously and will continue to follow district policy. Robins is not permitted on school property or at school/district activities while the matter is under investigation.
Robins remains at the Whitman County Jail on a $200,000 cash surety or $20,000 cash bail. He will appear in court Monday afternoon to be informed whether or not the prosecutor’s office has formally charged him.
Robins faces life in prison if he is convicted of the felony crimes.
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Maxwell recognized in his statement that news like this can be unsettling by nature.
“While we must respect personnel privacy and legal restrictions, we want to be as helpful as possible,” he wrote. “If you have questions specific to this situation, please contact the district office.”
Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.
