DENVER – Recovery from a childhood ordeal with her swim coach took Jacqui Stevenson years of therapy and patience. But a recent email thrust her back into those troubling memories. “I checked my email and just had a total panic attack,” she recalled.
The email, dated February 12 and sent by general counsel Jessica Perrill, warned about “a recent incident involving the investigator who was assigned to your U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) case, Jason Krasley.” This email triggered a whirlwind of emotions for Stevenson, highlighting the profound impact Krasley’s arrest on charges of sex crimes and the organization’s handling of it could have on those involved in his cases.
Initially, Krasley was seen by Stevenson as a steadfast support when she reported her coach’s abuse. The case, which involved inappropriate conduct—namely unwanted kissing when she was a teen—concluded quietly after 14 months with the coach receiving probation. Now, Stevenson is plagued with doubts, especially in light of allegations against Krasley, a former vice cop from Allentown, Pennsylvania, charged with rape, theft, and other crimes.
While the Center claims “we don’t currently have reason to believe” that Krasley was involved in misconduct during his tenure, Stevenson harbors grave concerns. She fears that if she voices her skepticism to the auditing team hired by the Center, it may prompt a reopening of her case, potentially allowing her accused abuser—to still coach young athletes—to have the charges erased.
Feeling disheartened, Stevenson suspects her abuser might be reveling in the possibility of escaping unscathed. “He’s probably looking at this and going, ‘Sweet, I’m off scot-free,’” she remarked.
The SafeSport Center’s CEO, Ju’Riese Colón, emphasized that the audit was initiated to guarantee fair case handling, acknowledging the emotional strain it may impose. Support resources have been offered to those involved in the cases.
After working for the organization for three years, Krasley’s tenure ended on November 15, 2024, when his arrest for allegedly stealing drug seizure money came to light. Following that, disturbing allegations of rape, sex trafficking, and soliciting prostitution, stemming back to 2015, surfaced.
Details about the multitude of cases Krasley may have overseen remain undisclosed. In a recent inquiry, Sen. Chuck Grassley demanded clarity from the Center.
Reflecting on her interactions with Krasley, Stevenson recounted spending extensive time on calls with him, noting his supportive demeanor yet wondering if it crossed professional boundaries. She expressed regret over sharing personal photos from her teenage years with her abuser, raising concerns about Krasley’s management of evidence.
With inadequate police action in pursuing her coach, Stevenson previously viewed the Center—the organization established in 2017 to combat sexual abuse in Olympic sports—as her final shot at justice. But now she worries this scandal might jeopardize its existence.
Stevenson’s hesitation dates back to the early 2000s when her coach’s influence led her into questionable situations, ranging from substance use to inappropriate relationships. Reuniting with him years later sparked alarm as she witnessed him reverting to old behaviors, eventually causing him to be fired from a swim club following her warnings.
Despite this, the coach faced no charges. Stevenson endured significant backlash, leading to severe mental health struggles, paralleling feelings of helplessness as others petitioned for her dismissal from the club’s board.
Michael Scime, Stevenson’s friend, supported her throughout, noting the painful irony when Krasley’s arrest surfaced after seeming closure to her ordeal.
SafeSport prides itself on operating independently from legal restraints to prioritize athlete welfare, yet Stevenson’s story underscores its challenges. Her assigned investigator, Krasley, seemed uniquely understanding but, in hindsight, eerily reminiscent of her past abuser.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article addresses themes of suicide. If you or someone you know requires assistance, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is 988, accessible by call, text, or online chat at 988lifeline.org.
