Scout files show abuse in county – During sleepovers to “work on merit badges,” molestation occurred (Sam Spital)

COMMENTARY BY SAN DIEGO CRIMINAL LAWYER – SAM SPITAL:

“On Thursday, November 1, 2012, the UT SAN DIEGO NEWS reported thousands of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) files were released in which lawsuits were brought by and/or on behalf of abused boy scouts alleging the leaders of the BSA were liable for failing to protect them. Between 1970 and 1991, there were about 10 individuals from San Diego among ‘nearly 1,900 known or suspected child molesters’ who were expelled from BSA. In addition, a Seattle, Washington lawyer that filed over 150 lawsuits stated ‘the organization didn’t do a good job of vetting volunteers before they were allowed into the organization or catching and reacting to sexual abuse allegations against volunteers who were working with scouts.’

It is both appalling and heartbreaking for enormous numbers of innocent young boys to have experienced sexual abuse from leaders they looked up to as models to train them in self-confidence, self-esteem, ethics, and citizenship skills in the service of others and to become responsible adults. The taint associated with the BSA reflects adversely on its long history of doing good deeds and performing well for society as a result of its failure to properly and fully investigate, evaluate, supervise and monitor its volunteers to prevent even a suggestion or possibility of sexual abuse. Parents need to clearly know and be able to undeniably trust those with whom they allow their children to be involved.”