A former police officer dismissed from his role as an investigator at the US Center for SafeSport due to allegations of theft during a drug bust has been arrested again, now facing charges of rape and sex trafficking.
Jason Krasley, previously an officer in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was detained on Friday and charged with felony rape and involuntary sexual servitude for offences reportedly committed between 2011 and 2015 while he was still serving on the police force, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office.
Krasley, who departed the police force in 2021, joined the SafeSport Centre but was terminated last year following revelations of his alleged involvement in the theft of $5,500 during a drug raid.
This recent arrest raises questions about the vetting processes at SafeSport, which is tasked with investigating sensitive cases of sexual abuse in Olympic and grassroots sports. The Denver-based organisation, founded in 2017, employs investigators, including former police officers, to handle misconduct cases.
Ju’Riese Colon, CEO of SafeSport, expressed outrage over the allegations in a statement to The Associated Press, stating, “I am appalled that a former staff member has been accused of such heinous acts in his previous role as a police officer.
“We hold all staff to the highest standard because safeguarding athletes is our utmost priority.”
The organisation has initiated a third-party audit of the cases Krasley managed during his tenure. In one instance, a case he handled was reassigned after his theft-related arrest. Another claimant requested their case be reopened following the arrest and was informed by SafeSport that the matter was already under review.
In addition to charges of felony rape and involuntary sexual servitude, Krasley faces counts of felony kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, intimidation of a witness, and a misdemeanour charge of criminal coercion.
Krasley is also named in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two Allentown police officers last year, which alleges widespread misconduct within the department.
In a related development, Kevin Weaver, a current Allentown police officer, was also arrested on Friday and charged with felony rape and involuntary sexual servitude. Weaver has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Frances Ibiefo
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