‘Trans’ Wrestler Assault Allegation Leads to Charges Against Two School Officials
Two Puyallup School District officials have been charged with gross misdemeanors after prosecutors alleged they failed to comply with Washington’s mandatory reporting law following a Rogers High School wrestler’s claim that she was sexually assaulted during a girls’ wrestling match.
Rogers High School Principal Jason Smith, 55, and Athletic Coordinator Peter Collins, 49, were each charged July 21 in Pierce County District Court with failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, according to court records.
The charges stem from allegations made by Rogers wrestler Kallie Keeler, who said she was assaulted during a December 6, 2025, match against a biological male athlete who competed in the girls’ division and identified as “trans.”
TTOA previously reported that the alleged incident occurred during a girls’ wrestling tournament at Emerald Ridge High School.
Keeler and her family have said they reported concerns to school officials after the match, but law enforcement was not notified until weeks later.
Prosecutors allege Smith and Collins failed to make a required report for approximately 55 days after receiving information about the incident.
Washington’s mandatory reporting law requires certain school employees to report suspected child abuse or sexual abuse within the required timeframe.
Court documents allege Smith first notified a school resource officer on Jan. 30, after Keeler completed a school incident report.
Smith later reported the matter to the Department of Children, Youth and Families on Feb. 12, according to The News Tribune.
The case follows a separate decision by Pierce County prosecutors not to pursue charges against the athlete Keeler accused, citing legal challenges involving consent in athletic competitions.
In a memorandum explaining the decision, prosecutors said they believed a third-degree rape charge would be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt because of Washington case law involving consent in athletic contests.
Prosecutors wrote that the decision was not based on the athlete’s so-called gender identity and said the case presented legal challenges involving whether physical contact occurring during a sporting event could be considered within the scope of implied consent recognized under Washington law.
The prosecutor’s office also stated the decision did not mean officials lacked sympathy for Keeler or approved of the alleged conduct.
Keeler and her mother have filed a federal lawsuit against the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the Puyallup School District, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Superintendent Chris Reykdal, and other officials.
The lawsuit alleges policies allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports contributed to the circumstances surrounding the incident and claims Keeler was not informed before the match that she would be competing against a biological male athlete, according to The Post Millennial.
The case has also drawn federal attention.
The U.S. Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation into the Puyallup School District, examining whether the district violated federal law by allowing trans-identifying athletes to compete in girls’ sports, permitting access to girls’ locker rooms, and failing to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault.
After the allegations became public, the athlete accused by Keeler voluntarily withdrew from the Washington State Girls’ Wrestling Championships.
A female athlete later received the spot in the tournament bracket.
The controversy has also become part of a broader debate over Washington’s athletic policies.
Supporters of Initiative IL26-638, a ballot measure backed by Let’s Go Washington, have cited the case while advocating for restrictions on biological male students competing in girls’ and women’s scholastic sports.
Smith’s attorney, Michael Stewart, said Smith has been a respected educator for more than 30 years and has prioritized student well-being throughout his career.
Collins’ attorney declined to comment on the allegations. Both defendants have waived personal appearances at scheduled arraignments.
The criminal case against Smith and Collins, Keeler’s federal lawsuit, and the Department of Education’s investigation remain ongoing.
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