Police Charge Former Boy Scout Leader with Sodomy of Minor
UPDATE:
Police release mug shot of suspect David Brian Watkins.
November 28, 2012
Albemarle County Police have charged David Watkins, a former Boy Scout troop leader with forcible sodomy of a juvenile under the age of 13.
Watkins founded boy scout troop 1028 in Albemarle County and served as the group leader for eight years. But on Wednesday night, he is behind bars after an adult comes forward, years later, saying he was sexually abused by Watkins.
"This investigation began last week on Wednesday, when the victim who is now an adult came forward and reported this sexual assault that occurred when he was juvenile," said Lt. Todd Hopwood of Albemarle County Police.
It is still very early in the investigation but detectives have interviewed a number of people about Watkins' activities. And police say they believe there are more victims out there.
"Anybody who feels that they've been sexually assaulted by Mr. Watkins should come forward we're not interested in that time. Whether it was in the past or last week, we want them to come forward," Hopwood said.
Boy Scouts of America says they seek to prevent child abuse through education programs and extensive background checks.
A release stated:
"The behavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. This individual has been removed from scouting and has not been involved in the program for several months. He has been permanently banned from participating in the scouting program," said Michael Hesbach of Boy Scouts of America.
Parents of scouts in a local troop, say they're concerned just as any parent would be but they say they are also aware of the countless rules that are in place to prevent anything like this from happening.
Watkins bond hearing is Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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Albemarle County Police have charged former Boy Scout troop leader David Brian Watkins with forcible sodomy a juvenile.
An alleged victim, who is an adult now approached police last Wednesday.
The investigation is ongoing, and police believe there could be more victims who have yet to come forward.
A hotline has been set up by Albemarle County Police at 972-4045
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