DENVER (AP) - Jason Krasley, a former police officer in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been arrested again, now facing serious charges of rape and sex trafficking. This arrest comes after his previous termination from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, where he worked as an investigator. He was fired after being accused of stealing $5,500 from a drug bust he was involved in while serving in law enforcement.
Krasley's latest charges include felony rape, involuntary sexual servitude, felony kidnapping, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and intimidation of a witness, along with misdemeanor criminal coercion. These alleged crimes occurred during his tenure as a police officer between 2011 and 2015, according to a release from the district attorney's office.
Following his departure from the Allentown Police Department in 2021, Krasley joined the SafeSport Center, which was established in 2017 to address sex-abuse cases in Olympic sports at all levels. The Center's investigation team consists of individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement, providing a sense of expertise in handling sensitive cases. However, Krasley’s hiring raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of the vetting process in place at the center.
Ju’Riese Colon, CEO of SafeSport, expressed her dismay over the allegations against Krasley. In a statement, she emphasized the organization's commitment to safeguarding athletes and noted that the center holds all staff to the highest standards. Following the recent developments, SafeSport has commissioned a third-party audit to review the cases Krasley was involved in. Colon mentioned that experts are being consulted to decide on the next steps in response to the new allegations.
Among the cases Krasley was assigned, one has now been transferred to another investigator due to the theft-related charges. In another instance, a claimant who requested the reopening of her case received confirmation from a SafeSport employee that these matters were already under review before the recent media attention.
In addition to Krasley, Kevin Weaver, a current officer with the Allentown Police Department, was also arrested and charged with felony rape and involuntary sexual servitude on the same day. Weaver has since been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, Krasley’s attorney, James Burke, has publicly denied all allegations against his client. He suggested that Krasley is prepared to fight the charges leveled against him. Additionally, it has been revealed that Krasley is a subject in a whistleblower lawsuit filed last year by two Allentown officers, who have claimed there is widespread misconduct within the department.
These developments highlight significant concerns surrounding the hiring practices at the U.S. Center for SafeSport as they face scrutiny regarding the implications of employing someone with a checkered history in law enforcement. The organization is under pressure to ensure that their staff meets rigorous ethical standards, especially given their role in addressing sensitive cases related to sexual abuse within the realm of sports.
