Kolb pleads not guilty to rape charges

Kelly Lee Kolb, former King’s West girls basketball coach, pleaded innocent Friday to charges of third-degree rape of a child. A trial date has been set for July14 to 16.

He was arrested Tuesday, April 22, for allegedly having a sexual relationship with one of the team’s players.

The 32-year-old Silverdale resident turned himself in to Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies Tuesday after the girl’s parents discovered the alleged relationship, and reported it to law enforcement.

He was booked into Kitsap County Jail on $100,000 bail.

According to court records, Kolb and the then 15-year-old girl began kissing, fondling and having oral sex in February. This allegedly continued during the team’s trip to a state basketball tournament in Spokane.

In March, Kolb and the girl allegedly had sexual intercourse at least five times, and it continued until the girl’s father discovered the relationship, court documents stated. Allegations also state Kolb gave the girl two birth control pills that were for “the day after,” court papers indicated.

On Friday, April 18, the victim’s father apparently read a text message on his daughter’s phone stating ‘Can’t wait until my birthday kiss, love you, Kelly.’” Kolb’s birthday, according to court documents, was Saturday, April 19.

When the father asked about the message, his daughter allegedly told him about the relationship with Kolb, who also was a friend of the family for the past year-and-a-half.

The girl told deputies she last spoke to Kolb at school Monday, April 21.

In a Kitsap County Superior Court preliminary hearing Wednesday, Kolb’s bail was reduced to $50,000. His attorney, Greg Memovich of Silverdale, argued his client did not pose a flight risk and did not have a criminal record. Kitsap County Deputy Prosecutor Neil Wachter argued Kolb had planned a trip to visit relatives in Colorado on Tuesday, but decided not to go.

Bail was reduced further at Friday’s arraignment to $25,000 but Kolb was not to have contact with the alleged victim or to have unsupervised visits with female juveniles.

According to court documents Kolb told the girl he would kill himself rather than go to jail. Memovich dismissed those statements.

King’s West has since dismissed Kolb from his part time coaching job. Parents and law enforcement officials were notified of the situation, officials for King’s Schools said Wednesday.

“We are cooperating with authorities on their investigation of this case and we will continue to assist and support the family of the student and authorities in this manner,” said Eric Rasmussen, superintendent for King’s Schools.

He could not comment on details of Kolb’s employment but said he would have more information when it became available.

Kolb took over the team in November 2002 following Mark Ross’ departure. The Warriors finished with a 21-8 record and took second in the Sea-Tac League tournament. Kolb is married and has two children.

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.