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Reid Kappler, a former coach at Saugerties High School, faces prison time after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges. The 32-year-old was accused of repeatedly raping two girls on the school's wrestling team. The crimes occurred while Kappler was employed as a custodian and coach between 2023 and 2024. Under a plea deal, he will serve six-and-a-half years in prison.
The case against Kappler emerged during an investigation into a local police officer, Sydney Mills, who faces similar charges. Kappler was charged with 18 counts of third-degree rape by an Ulster County grand jury. According to Times Union, Ulster County Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings stated, "He abused the trust of the community by engaging in sexual crimes with two students."
The Saugerties Central School District has hired an independent investigator to review its hiring practices and ensure student safety. Superintendent Daniel Erceg emphasized the district's commitment to student well-being. Kappler is scheduled to return to court on March 25.