Ex-Saugerties Coach Pleads Guilty In Teen Rape Case: DA

SAUGERTIES, NY — A former local school custodian and wrestling coach accused of having sexual contact with underage teen students pleaded guilty on Monday.

Reid Kappler, 32, of Connecticut, entered the guilty plea to three counts of third-degree rape during a proceeding in Ulster County Court, according to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.

Kappler faces a maximum of four years prison on each count when he is sentenced on March 25.

According to prosecutors, the offenses happened between 2023 and 2024, while Kappler worked as a custodian and wrestling coach for the Saugerties Central School District.

“The conduct for which Kappler has pled guilty involved sexual intercourse with two minor children,” the district attorney’s office said.

The youths were between 15 and 16 years old and students at Saugerties High School at the time, prosecutors said.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Jenna Hastings said Kappler “broke the trust” of the community.

“This defendant manipulated his position as a custodian and wrestling coach to sexually prey upon two young students,” Hastings said. “Our girls, and our children, deserve to go to school without fear of sexual abuse.”

Read more:
Ex-Saugerties Coach Wanted In Teen Sex Assault Case Nabbed In CT: Police