REDMOND, Wash. — A former member of the USA Climbing Team was arrested in Seattle on Wednesday on three separate charges of child rape in the third-degree, according to a news release from the Redmond Police Department.
Alexander Fritz, 28, is accused of having sexual contact with underage athletes ranging in age from 15 to 16 years-old in Bothell, Mukilteo, Redmond and Canada.
Fritz was a coach for climbing athletes and a route-setter at the Vertical World climbing gym in Redmond.
His access to the USA Climbing Team and SafeSport certified gyms have been suspended during the investigation.
An investigator with the U.S. Center for SafeSport contacted Redmond police with allegations of Fritz’s involvement in sexual misconduct with underage athletes.
SafeSport is a federally mandated investigative body for regulated sports. Its mission is to address the sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes.
Fritz was arrested in Seattle and is being held on $500,000 bail at the Snohomish County Jail.
If you or your family has knowledge of sexual misconduct or sexual assaults by Fritz, please contact the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.
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