EVERETT — A former USA Climbing team athlete and coach pleaded not guilty Wednesday to four counts of third-degree child rape.
Alexander Fritz, 28, of Seattle, was handcuffed as court marshals escorted him into a Snohomish County courtroom. The defendant was charged last week with sexually abusing two girls in Snohomish and King counties from 2016 to 2018. Both girls were 15.
Earlier this month, an investigator with the U.S. Center for SafeSport contacted the Redmond Police Department about several allegations that Fritz had “relationships” with child athletes.
SafeSport launched an investigation into Fritz in 2019. The case was forwarded to the FBI due to reports the climbing coach had “crossed state lines and international borders for purposes of sex with minors.” The government entities turned the case over to the Redmond Police Department to continue the investigation.
Fritz was arrested Feb. 2 and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of three counts of child rape involving the same girl. A fourth count, involving a second girl, was later added.
Defense attorney Will Gelvick asked the judge to release Fritz Wednesday on a promise to appear at his next court hearing. Fritz was a full-time student enrolled in online schooling at the time of his arrest, Gelvick said, and spent 80 hours per week on his studies. The defense attorney said Fritz could not afford to post bond.
“Mr. Fritz is presumed innocent,” Gelvick told a Daily Herald reporter via email. “We look forward to defending against these claims in court.”
Deputy prosecutor Jarett Goodkin asked the judge to keep the defendant’s bail at $500,000, saying there was concern Fritz would not voluntarily appear at future court hearings.
“This appears to have gone on for a lengthy amount of time,” Goodkin said. “… He has engaged multiple minors in his coaching and his career as a climber.”
Superior Court Judge Anita Farris maintained bail.
Ellen Dennis:
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
