A former investigator tasked with probing sexual abuse cases for the U.S. Center for SafeSport has been charged with rape and sex trafficking. Jason Krasley, a former police officer from Allentown, PA, was arrested last week on multiple felony charges, including rape, involuntary sexual servitude, kidnapping, and intimidation of a witness, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office, which was covered by reporting from The Guardian.
The allegations stem from Krasley’s time as a police officer between 2011 and 2015. Krasley, who left the Allentown Police Department in 2021 after being accused of stealing $5,500 during a drug bust, later joined the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The Denver-based organization, established in 2017, investigates sexual abuse cases in Olympic sports, aiming to ensure athlete safety. Krasley was terminated from SafeSport in 2022 following the emergence of theft allegations.
The recent charges have prompted questions about how Krasley passed SafeSport’s hiring process. “I am appalled that a former staff member has been accused of such heinous acts in his previous role as a police officer,” said SafeSport CEO Ju’Riese Colon in a statement to the Associated Press. She emphasized the center’s commitment to safeguarding athletes and maintaining high hiring standards.
SafeSport has initiated a third-party audit of Krasley’s case files. Colon noted that all cases handled by Krasley are under review, adding that “we are working with subject matter experts to determine what additional actions should be taken in light of the new allegations.” In one instance, a case was reassigned after Krasley’s initial arrest for theft. Another claimant requested her case be reopened following the latest charges, a process the center said was already underway.
Krasley’s attorney denied the allegations, stating that Krasley “absolutely denies the allegations.”
Krasley’s arrest also coincides with his mention in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two Allentown police officers, which alleged widespread misconduct within the department.
About SafeSport
The United States Center for SafeSport is a nonprofit organization established in 2017 under the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. Its mission is to reduce and address sexual abuse, misconduct, and harassment in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports. SafeSport holds exclusive jurisdiction to investigate allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct within these organizations. While it does not function as a law enforcement agency or judicial body, SafeSport can impose penalties, including lifetime bans from Olympic sports, and collaborates with law enforcement to ensure due process.
SafeSport’s responsibilities extend beyond sexual misconduct to include other forms of abuse, such as emotional abuse, bullying, and harassment. The organization maintains a public database of sanctioned individuals, enabling greater transparency and accountability within the sports community. Additionally, SafeSport forwards its findings to state and federal courts as needed, further supporting legal investigations.
With a staff of 117 and an annual budget of $21 million as of 2023, SafeSport processes approximately 8,000 reports annually, averaging 150 reports per week. As of October 2021, the organization had sanctioned over 1,100 individuals, reinforcing its critical role in safeguarding athletes. Through these efforts, SafeSport aims to foster safer environments for athletes at all levels.
