Former Redmond Climbing Coach Accused Of Child Rape

REDMOND, WA — Redmond police arrested a 28-year-old man last week on suspicion of several counts of child rape, officials announced Tuesday evening.

Detectives said Alexander Fritz, 28, of Seattle, is a former member of the USA Climbing Team and worked alongside young athletes as a coach and route-setter at the Vertical World climbing gym in Redmond. Investigators allege Fritz had "sexual contact" with underage athletes between 12 and 16 years old.

The police department said detectives first became aware of the allegations against Fritz last Wednesday when they were contacted by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the investigative body tasked with addressing sexual abuse of minors within regulated sports. According to detectives, a SafeSport investigator sent documents and interviews detailing their work, including allegations that Fritz had "sexual contact" with underage girls in Redmond, Bothell, Mukilteo and Canada.

Redmond detectives also shared the case with the FBI, including interviews with athletes, parents and a manager at the climbing gym, to consider filing federal charges, since some of the allegations crossed borders.

Fritz was arrested in Seattle by Redmond investigators on Feb. 2 and was charged in Everett District Court, accused of three counts of third-degree child rape. He remains in custody at the Snohomish County Jail, with bail set at $500,000.