The U.S. Center for SafeSport has dismissed investigator Jason Krasley after it was revealed he had been arrested for allegedly stealing $5,500 confiscated during a 2019 drug bust while serving as a police officer in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The firing has cast a spotlight on the center’s vetting process and the handling of sensitive cases Krasley was assigned to investigate.
Allegations Against Krasley
Krasley, who worked as a detective in Allentown from 2002 to 2021, was arrested in 2024, five years after the alleged theft. The case stems from a 2019 drug raid in which police seized $16,000 in cash. According to court documents, Krasley was one of the officers who counted the money and was present when some of it went missing. The grand jury presentment stated that Krasley resisted being searched when discrepancies were noted.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport hired Krasley in 2021, tasking him with investigating cases of sexual abuse, harassment, and misconduct in Olympic and grassroots sports.
Case Backlogs and Frustrated Accusers
Krasley’s dismissal has left many accusers, such as Sean McDowell, questioning the center’s ability to handle their cases effectively. McDowell reported stalking and harassment by a member of his Seattle-based rugby club in September. Krasley was assigned as the investigator but stopped responding to McDowell after initial communication.
McDowell later discovered Krasley’s arrest through news reports, which left him shocked. “It puts everything under a different lens,” McDowell said. “How can I trust that my case is being handled properly?”
Center’s Response and Ongoing Review
The U.S. Center for SafeSport, established in 2017 to address sexual misconduct in sports, said it conducts extensive background checks on all employees. However, CEO Ju’Riese Colon acknowledged the failure in this instance, calling Krasley’s alleged actions “profoundly disappointing.”
The center has hired an external firm to audit all cases handled by Krasley. At present, it has found no evidence of mishandling but remains committed to reviewing his work thoroughly.
Concerns Over Krasley’s Investigative Methods
Kirsten Hawkes, a fencer who filed a complaint about a former coach, described Krasley as sympathetic but overly eager to resolve her case without addressing all her allegations. Hawkes expressed concerns about whether Krasley’s dismissal might reveal deeper issues in how the center evaluates and resolves complaints.
“They have the resources to call a police department and dig deeper during hiring,” Hawkes said. “This situation raises questions about their diligence.”
Larger Challenges at SafeSport
The center receives around 155 reports per week and has struggled to keep pace with the growing caseload. With an annual budget of $21 million and 77 employees on its response team, SafeSport faces challenges recruiting investigators with the expertise needed for handling sensitive cases.
McDowell, frustrated by delays in his case, believes the center is not prioritizing victims. “This is my life—people are hostile to me because of what I reported,” he said. “SafeSport’s actions don’t align with their promises of hope and resolution.”
