Ex-King's West coach stays in jail

Kelly Lee Kolb, 32, the former basketball coach who last week pleaded guilty to one count of felony rape of a child in the third degree, will remain in the Kitsap County Jail until his sentencing in September.

Kolb had an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student athlete who played on his team.

His actions were brought to law enforcement’s attention after Kolb left a message on the girl’s answering machine on April 18.

In the message, Kolb said: “Can’t wait until my birthday kiss, love you, Kelly.”

Kolb turned 32 the next day.

Kolb faces a maximum of 14 months in prison and the time he is serving in the Kitsap County Jail will count against that sentence as time served according to prosecutors.

Kolb would have faced more charges if he hadn’t agreed to plead guilty to the rape count according to Kitsap County Special Assault Prosecutor Neil Wachter.

“(The plea arrangement) is consistent with our charging policies if the defendant takes responsibility for his (or her) actions as charged,” Wachter said. “If he hadn’t he would have almost certainly faced more charges.”

Wachter said he thought the family of the teenager, now 16, supported his office’s actions.

“I’m not sure I can speak for the family,” Wachter said. “But, yes, I think (her parents) are glad he was caught and an end was put to it. My impression is, they were pleased he was prosecuted.”

When first confronted, Kolb claimed the teenager kissed him and their interactions stopped there. Later, it came out that the couple had a sexual relationship.

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