Kitsap County Sheriff's deputy charged with rape.

A Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputy was charged in Superior Court on Monday with third-degree child rape.

Deputy Michael L. Kleinfelder is accused of having a consensual sexual relationship, during off-duty hours, with a girl under age 16 from August 2001 to September 2002, at his Port Orchard home, according to court papers.

Kleinfelder, 33, was placed on paid administrative leave after a criminal investigation was initiated in February. Now that criminal charges have been filed against the four-year veteran of the KCSO, sheriff’s officials say an internal investigation has been launched. Officials said the internal review will be expedited.

“I am saddened by the allegations as contained in the complaint and the facts as known to me so far,” said Sheriff Steve Boyer in a prepared statement. “Deputy Kleinfelder has performed admirably as a field operations deputy. However, individuals make choices and they must be held responsible for their actions.”

Kleinfelder is a field deputy, and has performed tasks as a field training officer and as a member of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.

Before Kleinfelder was hired (as with any would-be deputy), he submitted to a battery of psychological and medical exams, took a polygraph test and underwent a background check.

Nothing in his past indicated a problem, sheriff’s officials said.

The victim’s parents lodged a complaint with the KCSO on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and, in turn, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office agreed to launch the criminal investigation to avoid conflict-of-interest concerns.

According to court papers, the victim babysat for Kleinfelder and, over time, their relationship became progressively intimate through increased contact.

She was between 13 and 15 years old at that time.

Kleinfelder is scheduled to make his first court appearance April 21.

Third-degree child rape is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.