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Former Pe Ell coach faces charge of third-degree rape of teenage student

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Todd D. Phelps, left, passes defense attorney Bob Schroeter as he leaves the courtroom in Chehalis.

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter


CHEHALIS – A now-former softball coach at Pe Ell High School went before a judge this afternoon to face an additional charge in connection with alleged sexual contacts with a 16-year-old player on the girls’ team.

Todd D. Phelps, 52, of Pe Ell, is charged with third-degree rape now as well as second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.

The new count followed further investigation of an incident that allegedly occurred in July in which the girl said Phelps asked her to meet him at his brother’s Pe Ell residence to discuss cuts to her legs and asked her to lower her pants, according to charging documents.

Charging documents allege he kissed her, touched her and suggested more, and she said told him, “No, please don’t.” They engaged in sex and she said “she was very scared and just wanted it to be over,” charging documents allege.

Phelps resigned at the end of April after two years as an assistant coach. His resignation was because of a violation of school policy regarding social contact with students, according to the school district superintendent.

He was summoned into Lewis County Superior Court today where Judge Richard Brosey said he could remain free if he signed a $25,000 unsecured appearance bond.

Phelps was scheduled to return to court Dec. 8 to make his plea.

Phelps was arrested last month following the report about two incidents made in September to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

At the time, he was charged only with second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor in connection with an April 2 encounter with the girl. On that day, according to charging documents, he had asked her to stop by his house and asked her to take off her pants so he could see some cuts on her legs.

She told a deputy Phelps began hugging her, pulled her into his lap and kissed her.

She described her relationship to him as that of a student and coach, and as part of a “second family,” charging documents state.

Third-degree rape carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor is a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail.

If convicted, Phelps would be required to register as a sex offender.