Two officials from Washington's Puyallup School District have been charged with gross misdemeanors, accused by prosecutors of failing to adhere to the state’s mandatory reporting law. The charges stem from an allegation made by Rogers High School wrestler Kallie Keeler, who claimed she was sexually assaulted during a girls’ wrestling match against a biological male athlete competing in the girls’ division who identified as "trans."
Rogers High School Principal Jason Smith, 55, and Athletic Coordinator Peter Collins, 49, were each charged on July 21 in Pierce County District Court with failure to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, according to court records. The alleged incident occurred on December 6, 2025, during a girls’ wrestling tournament held at Emerald Ridge High School.
According to Keeler and her family, concerns about the alleged assault were reported to school officials shortly after the match. However, law enforcement was not notified until weeks later. Prosecutors allege that Smith and Collins failed to make a required report for approximately 55 days after receiving information about the incident. Washington’s mandatory reporting law mandates that certain school employees report suspected child abuse or sexual abuse within a specified timeframe.
Court documents indicate that Principal Smith first notified a school resource officer on January 30, following Keeler's submission of a school incident report. Smith subsequently reported the matter to the Department of Children, Youth and Families on February 12, as reported by The News Tribune.
This criminal case against the school officials follows a separate decision by Pierce County prosecutors not to pursue charges against the athlete Keeler accused. Prosecutors cited legal challenges related to consent in athletic competitions, explaining in a memorandum that a third-degree rape charge would be difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt due to existing Washington case law. They clarified that the decision was not based on the athlete’s gender identity but rather on the legal complexities of whether physical contact during a sporting event falls within the scope of implied consent under state law. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that this decision did not imply a lack of sympathy for Keeler or approval of the alleged conduct.
In response to the circumstances, Keeler and her mother have filed a federal lawsuit. The lawsuit names the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the Puyallup School District, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Superintendent Chris Reykdal, and other officials as defendants. The complaint alleges that policies allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports contributed to the incident and claims Keeler was not informed prior to the match that she would be competing against a biological male athlete, according to The Post Millennial.
The case has also garnered federal attention. The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a Title IX investigation into the Puyallup School District. This investigation is examining whether the district violated federal law by permitting trans-identifying athletes to compete in girls’ sports, allowing them access to girls’ locker rooms, and failing to adequately respond to allegations of sexual assault.
Following the public disclosure of these allegations, the athlete accused by Keeler voluntarily withdrew from the Washington State Girls’ Wrestling Championships. A female athlete subsequently filled the vacated spot in the tournament bracket.
The controversy has become a significant point in a broader statewide debate concerning Washington’s athletic policies. Supporters of Initiative IL26-638, a ballot measure backed by the organization Let’s Go Washington, have referenced Keeler’s case while advocating for stricter regulations on biological male students competing in girls’ and women’s scholastic sports.
Michael Stewart, attorney for Principal Smith, stated that Smith has been a respected educator for over 30 years and has consistently prioritized student well-being throughout his career. Collins’ attorney declined to comment on the allegations. Both defendants have waived personal appearances at their scheduled arraignments. The criminal case against Smith and Collins, Keeler’s federal lawsuit, and the Department of Education’s investigation remain ongoing.
