A former Kuna High School assistant wrestling coach is awaiting a preliminary hearing after being charged with felony rape involving a former student who once wrestled for the school. Darrin Allen, who worked part-time on the coaching staff, was arrested in September 2026 following what Kuna Police described as an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a minor.
The criminal complaint alleges the victim was a 17-year-old girl on the Kuna High School wrestling team, according to the Idaho Statesman, which reported the case ahead of Allen's scheduled court appearance. Allen is set to appear at the Ada County Courthouse for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 20.
Separately, KIVI reported that the Ada County Sheriff's Office and Kuna Police deputies arrested the 55-year-old Kuna resident at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, with bond set at $350,000. That outlet's report said police described the arrest as stemming from an investigation into Allen's alleged involvement with a then-17-year-old.
How the Relationship Allegedly Began
According to Allen's defense attorney, John Prior, Allen and the student became friends after she began working on his farm. Prior told the Statesman that prosecutors allege the rape occurred when the student was about a week from turning 18, but he disputed the state's broader claims, saying a later visit between Allen and the student — after she had gone away to college — was mutual, consensual, and occurred once she was of age.
Ada County Prosecuting Attorney Chantelle Reider offered a different account of how the relationship unfolded. Reider said Allen made advances on the student while she worked for him, and that the student viewed Allen as a coach and mentor, with the advances often occurring at his house. She said the student told Allen she was uncomfortable with the relationship and his advances, and that he pressured and guilt-tripped her. Prosecutors have reportedly obtained multiple screenshots of messages documenting how close Allen got with the victim.
An Alleged Confession, and a Denial
Reider also said Allen confessed to a sexual relationship with the victim and blamed her, though she did not specify to whom Allen made that confession. Prior has disputed the state's claims on Allen's behalf.
Kuna High School made history in 2018 as the first Idaho school with an all-girls wrestling team. Under Idaho law, sexual contact between an adult and a 16- or 17-year-old can constitute rape when the adult is at least three years older — a standard laid out in statute by the Idaho State Legislature, which also requires that the victim not be lawfully married to the alleged perpetrator.
School District's Response
The Kuna School District learned of the allegations against Allen in February 2026 and terminated his part-time assistant wrestling coach position after investigating the information, according to the Statesman's reporting. Police said the district cooperated fully with the investigation. The district has said it prioritizes student safety, well-being, and protection.
Detectives have asked anyone with additional information to come forward by phone, email, or through the Ada County Sheriff's Office app. Investigators can be reached at 208-377-6790 or by emailing [email protected].
