Ex-Redmond lacrosse club coach gets prison for abuse

A 24-year-old former assistant coach for a Redmond youth lacrosse club was sentenced to 18 months in prison Monday after pleading guilty or no contest to having sex with four girls, ages 14 to 16.

Dakota Wayne Harless of Redmond was 22 at the time of his arrest in March 2016. He was indicted on nearly two-dozen counts of sex abuse, rape, sodomy, contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor and online sexual corruption of a child.

In early December, Harless pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sodomy, as well as no contest to another second-degree sexual abuse charge.

None of the teens or their family members were in Deschutes County Circuit Judge Randy Miller’s courtroom for Monday’s sentencing, only the family of Harless and his counselor, Dr. Fred Saporito.

Deputy District Attorney Stacy Neil submitted a sentencing memorandum that detailed the nature of the charges and how the case came to light when a parent of one victim told two Redmond High staff members they had seen the 22-year-old Harless “hanging out” with the 15-year-old girl “in an inappropriate manner.” That led to the discovery that Harless had been having sex with four under-age girls.

Neil noted that Harless had no previous criminal history they were aware of, but the prosecutor requested a four-year prison term because Harless “was in a position of trust as a coach as to one of the victims,” and had encouraged and in some cases pressured the girls to have sex with him. She added that Harless “has indicated that he does not feel that age should be a hindrance to engage in sexual relationships.”

Since Harless was arrested, Neil wrote that two of the victims “have been distraught and have struggled immensely with mental health issues,” while a third “does not want anything to do with the case and yet another would like to continue a friendship with the defendant.”

The defense attorney for Harless argued that Harless has changed his mentality about what happened and asked the judge to impose five years’ probation and continued sex offender treatment and registration.

Saporito, who the defense said had become a “father figure” as a counselor, told the judge that “a cursory examination of the case says he should go to jail for a long time,” but then cited extenuating circumstances, noting that Harless had a job and was going to school.

The counselor said Harless thought he was helping the teens he had a relationship with, giving them “peace and satisfaction” he “controls by rescuing” them.

Under questioning by Miller, Saporito said any time in prison will have a negative impact on Harless. He said after the sentencing that “the public ideas about sexual offenders are amiss” and that a wide variety of such offenses often get lumped together.

The defense lawyer told the judge Harless acts as a caretaker for his mother. She, too, was given a chance to speak but could barely do so, sobbing that “he’s a good kid who helps me so much.”

Harless was also given a chance to speak. Speaking slowly and nervously, he told Miller he understood the charges and consequences of his acts, and that he only blamed himself for what happened. Harless also apologized for his actions but said he’s made tremendous changes in crucial areas of his life.

After some time in chambers with the attorneys, Miller returned to the bench and imposed two concurrent 18-month prison terms, minus time served (about three months), followed by five years’ probation.

Noting that there were no alleged violent acts, the judge said Harless will be eligible for all programs and good-behavior required to register in a sex offender program.

Shortly after the arrest, the Redmond School District noted that the Redmond lacrosse team was a Tier III, “community club sport … not sponsored or managed by the Redmond School District,” but by a board of parents and volunteers.