Coach accused of sex crimes against minor denied bond, awaits indictment

Stephen Kerlew, a 64-year-old former tennis pro, is in jail in Lincoln County, accused of indecent liberties with a minor.

Kerlew met the child at a private club in Denver and is charged with six felony counts, including three counts of indecent liberties with a minor and two counts of sex offense with a child under 15, and an additional charge of sex with a child in his custody.

He is accused of violating a minor and the family’s trust through these alleged acts.

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The Westport Swim and Tennis Club in Denver reportedly cut ties with Kerlew after learning about the investigation.

While Kerlew met the child at the Denver club, the alleged crimes occurred in Lincoln County.

A judge denied bond for Kerlew, and prosecutors intend to seek an indictment on the six felonies.

Detective Josh Capps of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Kerlew had coached the child for approximately three years.

Capps stated there is no indication that minors were hurt at the club itself.

However, relationships built at the club sometimes extended off-site to activities like lessons at home, such as the stringing of tennis rackets in Kerlew’s home.

Capps said the acts that led to the felony charges against Kerlew were recent and weighed heavily on the minor.

The minor knew the acts were wrong and eventually disclosed the information to parents, leading to the charges.

Due to the victim’s age, Detective Capps could not release further details about the investigation.

Detectives noted that others are often affected in cases like this.

“Come forward if there is anyone else out there who has suffered the same as this victim has,” Capps said.

Kerlew remains in the Lincoln County Jail, awaiting his next court date.