Charges have been filed against 19 year old Coleman R. Leonard in Wisconsin. Leonard is accused of sexual assault. The case involves three underage staff members at Camp Napowan in Mount Morris, Wisconsin, a Boy Scout summer camp.
Understanding the Charges
According to a report by the Northwest Herald, Leonard has been charged with a number of counts including repeated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, exposing a child to harmful material, and child enticement, among other things. The charges came after an investigation by the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office. Leonard faces more than forty years in prison.
What Really Happened
In late July of 2018, a detective from the Sheriff’s Office reported to the camp to investigate several sexual assault complaints. During the course of the investigation, a staff member reported seeing a written list of Leonard’s victims. Police searched the room and found the list. They then identified three different victims who reported sexual assault. Each one was a minor at the time of the assault, while Coleman was nearly 19 at the time. Leonard admitted to two of the three assaults.
The Involvement of the Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts’ Pathway to Adventure Council is responsible for Camp Napowan. The Council offers a number of different camping programs for Scouts. After charges were filed, the Council released a statement suggesting they had taken immediate action as soon as they realized there was a problem and removed Coleman from their programs.
Coming Forward
Victims of sexual assault, past and present, often have a difficult time coming forward. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Boy Scout sexual assault or any abuse at the hands of another, justice is a must. Contact Paul to learn more about your options.