Former Saugerties wrestling coach Reid Kappler pleaded guilty in Ulster County Court on Monday to repeatedly raping two girls on the school’s team in 2023.
Kappler, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree felony rape of an individual incapable of consent. As part of a plea agreement with the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Kappler will receive a 6½-year state prison sentence.
Kappler was 29 at the time of the rapes and was employed as a custodian and wrestling coach when they occurred. He now lives in Connecticut. Kappler had been indicted in July on 18 counts of felony rape.
Kappler “took advantage of two children who looked up to him as their coach,” Ulster County Special Victims Bureau Chief Jenna Hastings said in a statement after his arrest. “He abused the trust of the community by engaging in sexual crimes with two students.”
The Kappler arrest sparked outrage in the Saugerties community, with parents questioning the school’s administration about the safety of their children while in school and participating in athletics and activities. The Ulster County District Attorney’s Office has said Kappler’s crimes came to light during an investigation into similar allegations against former part-time Saugerties Police Officer Sydney Mills.
Saugerties Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Erceg has resigned amid the controversy last month.
“The difficult decision reflects a shared recognition that the separation is the best way for the district and community to move forward following the recent events involving the arrest of a former staff member – it does not represent an accusation or admission or any wrongdoing by either party,” said School Board President Jeffrey Riozzi in a prepared statement after Erceg stepped down.
He said both the board of education and Erceg “care deeply about the community and are committed to fostering healing and renewed trust.”
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