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Prosecutor Reviewing Teen Wrestler’s On-Mat Assault Allegation After School’s Delay in Reporting

The Pierce County inquiry includes match video review with separate scrutiny of Puyallup staff’s compliance with Washington’s 48-hour mandatory-reporting rule.

Overview

  • Sixteen-year-old Kallie Keeler alleges a trans-identifying opponent inserted fingers into her private area during a Dec. 6 girls’ wrestling match in Puyallup, Washington.
  • Two independent wrestling coaches who reviewed video of the bout told reporters the hand placement shown was not typical of accidental contact.
  • Keeler and her parents say they alerted coaches on Dec. 8, yet the Puyallup School District reported the allegation to the sheriff on Jan. 30 despite the state’s 48-hour reporting requirement.
  • The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirms an active criminal investigation, and Sheriff Keith Swank says the case has been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney for charging review.
  • No criminal charges have been announced, and the opponent’s identity has not been broadly corroborated in public reporting.