Former Saugerties Coach Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Sexual Offenses with Students

A former Saugerties school employee will spend the next six and a half years in prison.

 

Reid Kappler, who worked as a custodian and wrestling coach at Saugerties High School, was sentenced March 25 after admitting to sexual offenses involving two students.

 

The 32-year-old Connecticut resident pleaded guilty to three counts of third-degree rape in January.

 

The Crimes

 

Prosecutors said the offenses happened between 2023 and 2024 while Kappler was employed by the Saugerties Central School District.

 

The case began after the Saugerties police chief provided information to authorities, prompting an investigation by the Ulster County District Attorneys Office.

 

Kappler was arrested in July 2025 at his Connecticut home by the U.S. Marshals Task Force with assistance from the Ulster County Sheriffs Office.

 

The Sentence

 

In addition to prison time, Kappler will face 10 years of post-release supervision.

 

He will serve his sentence in a New York State facility.

 

For the victims and their families, the sentencing is a step toward justice.

 

But it does not erase what happened.

 

The case serves as a harsh reminder that schools must remain vigilant in protecting students.