Island man faces molestation charges -- UPDATE

An island youth sports volunteer was charged this week with first-degree child molestation.

John Harlan Fawley, 52, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Kitsap County Superior Court. He was released from jail after posting $50,000 bail and surrendering his passport, prosecutors said.

Fawley was arrested Wednesday at his Arrow Point home by deputies from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation began in mid-February, Kitsap County Detective Lori Blankenship said.

The alleged victim was a juvenile male known to Fawley, detectives said, with offenses said to have occurred on several occasions over a period of time.

Fawley has been involved with youth sports on the island for at least the past year, serving as vice president of select programs for the Bainbridge Island Youth Soccer Club. But contrary to reports published elsewhere, Fawley never coached any teams, said Mark Lund, vice president of community relations.

Friday, the club suspended Fawley from all duties.

“The BIYSC is shocked and saddened to learn of charges against one of its board members,” Lund said in a statement. “BIYSC requires all individuals involved in administration and coaching to undergo background checks per Washington State Youth Soccer Association rules, conducted by Washington State Patrol. Our steadfast goal is to provide the safest soccer environment for all 1,150 kids playing soccer for the club.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are looking into the possibility that there are more victims, Blankenship said.

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