The Boy Scouts of America have long dealt with the problem of sex abuse allegations against its adult leaders. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Matthew Baker of O’Fallon, Missouri, has been charged with sexual abuse in a case involving an 8 year-old boy. Baker served as a Cub Scout den leader, but it is unclear at this time whether the abuse is associated with his role as den leader.
He was charged last week with statutory sodomy involving a child under the age of 12. In Missouri, those are felony charges. Bail in this case has been set at $50,000. The boy reported the abuse to authorities shortly before Baker was arrested. The incident took place when the boy was at Baker’s house playing a board game in the basement.
Police are currently searching for other victims, though they do not have any credible accusations at this time. The Boy Scouts have revoked Baker’s membership and sent a letter to parents about the situation and how to report concerning behavior.
While Scout leaders undergo background checks, and present BSA rules require two leaders must be present at any given time during activities, abuse is still a problem in the organization.