"Perversion files" show southwest Florida cases
-
They're called the "perversion files." The Boy Scouts of American being forced to release pages documenting sexual abuse by scout leaders. Files the organization fought to keep secret for years. Video by fox4now.com
video
FORT MYERS, Fla. - You can credit the Boy Scouts for the neat appearance of VFW Post 8463 in Cape Coral. They volunteer there three to four times a year. But recent talk is of the crisis facing the organization.
"It really gets me upset," said Arne Suominen, the post commander.
Suominen works with the scouts, where "do your best" is the motto. But he's worried the Boy Scouts of America has not done it's best to protect children.
"The scouts are our future leaders of the country and to have someone abuse them is just totally unheard of," explained Suominen.
"Perversion files" released today document more than 1,200 cases of sexual abuse since 1965, including five in Cape Coral, two in Fort Myers and two in Naples. None mentioned the troop 8463.
"I hope that it's no one i know personally or that's been involved with our pack," added Suominen.
Suominen says he hopes the accusations don't affect the organization's future. That its little guys are tomorrow's leaders.
"They teach the scouts the values of life,e how to get things done and what their goals should be through life," said Suominen.
But he is concerned about what this could mean for enrollment and the future of the organization.
"I think it's going to be a devastating blow on the Boy Scouts of America to have this come out," said Suominen.
The Boy Scouts released a statement apologizing for sexual abuse and detailing policy changes, including that at least two adults must be present at troop activities and suspicions of abuse must be reported to local authorities.
.png)
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.