A former wrestling coach from Saugerties High School, Reid Kappler, has been charged with 18 counts of third-degree rape. The Ulster County District Attorney's Office announced that the 32-year-old was arrested at his Connecticut home and is accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls, aged 15 and 16, while employed as a coach and custodian at the school between 2023 and 2024.

Kappler's arrest is part of a broader investigation that also led to the indictment of Saugerties Police Officer Sydney Mills for alleged sex offenses against a minor. Both Kappler and Mills were indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury. Kappler was arraigned in Ulster County Court and is being held without bail in the Ulster County Jail. He is expected to appear in court again on October 16.

The Ulster County Family and Children Advocacy Center, with help from the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, is leading the investigation. Spectrum News reports that Jenna Hastings, the Special Victims Bureau Chief, stated, "This defendant took advantage of two children who looked up to him as their coach. He abused the trust of the community by engaging in sexual crimes with two students."

The Saugerties Central School District has expressed its commitment to student safety and is cooperating with the investigation. Superintendent Daniel Erceg emphasized that the district takes all reports of misconduct seriously and thoroughly investigates any allegations. News10 reports that Erceg stated, "I want to reassure our families that the safety, well-being, and trust of every student in our care remains our highest priority."

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.

Chris Davis