A review of the Boy Scouts of America’s so-called “perversion files” identifies allegations of child molestation against 29 Wisconsin men that were kept secret. Those leaders were banned by the organization and could no longer serve as volunteers.
The 14,500 pages of scout documents were ordered released by the Oregon Supreme Court. They reveal that police, prosecutors, pastors, and even some Boy Scout leaders covered up cases where scoutmasters and others molested children. The cases occurred between 1960 and 1984.
The report outlines alleged acts of abuse in 21 Wisconsin communities. They include Milwaukee, Shorewood, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Cedarburg, West Bend, Sheboygan, Elkhart Lake, Oshkosh, Appleton, Green Bay, Seymour, Marinette, Mosinee, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Mondovi, La Crosse, Monroe, Janesville, and Beloit.
Scout officials have apologized to victims and their families for the cover-up. The organization says they are now doing a number of things to keep youth safe and prevent further abuse.
