Sex abuse admission by Boy Scouts puts new focus on Georgia predator law

It was a stunning admission, though not a surprising one to some of the victims who allege they were sexually molested by Boy Scout troop leaders.

“I have reviewed information that now makes clear to me that decades ago BSA did, in at least some instances, allow individuals to return to Scouting even after credible accusations of sexual abuse,” Boy Scouts of America Chief Executive Michael Surbaugh wrote recently in a letter to Congress. They had previously denied any cover up.

The organization’s public acknowledgement that they misled investigators seems to breathe fresh life into a raft of lawsuits across the nation filed against the scouts alleging abuse. But in Georgia the impact could be muted. That’s because lawmakers have effectively shielded the Boy Scouts from liability, squashing repeated attempts to strengthen the state’s Hidden Predator Act. read more »

Jeffrey Epstein: diamonds, cash and fake passport found in raid, prosecutors say

Accusers ask judge not to release him before trial and prosecutors say ‘many individuals’ have come forward who say they are victims

Two Jeffrey Epstein accusers offered emotional entreaties in court on Monday, asking a judge not to release the financier before his trial on sex trafficking charges.

One alleged victim, who identified herself as Courtney Wild, said: “I was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein, starting at the age of 14.” read more »