A group of lawyers has released the names of 130 New York Boy Scout leaders accused of sexually abusing boys in their care.

The attorneys drew comparisons with the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. The New York Archdiocese recently released a list of nearly the same number of New York priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse, The New York Times reported.

In New Jersey, lawyers alleged a similar pattern of abuse over a period of decades, naming some 50 New Jersey Boy Scout troop leaders accused of sexual abuse.

Ironically, the Boy Scouts of America organization touts one of its benefits for members as “youth protection” training.

According to the Times, the Boy Scouts has files dating to 1944 that contain detailed information on volunteers who had been kicked out of the organization because of credible sexual abuse allegations. The organization hired Janet Warren, a professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, to review the files, which include the names of 7,819 credible perpetrators of 12,254 child sexual assault cases. It reportedly took Warren about five years to complete her investigation.

Boy Scouts of America disclosed to the public a much lower number of sexual assault cases and did not identify the alleged abusers.

Statement From the Boy Scouts of America

In response to the claims of decades’ worth of sexual assault cases, the Boy Scouts of America responded in a statement: “We care deeply about all victims of child sex abuse and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting.” In the statement, Boy Scouts emphasized the organization’s support of victims and its offer to pay for unlimited counseling for those affected in the alleged sexual assault cases.

“At no time have we ever knowingly allowed a sexual predator to work with youth,” the statement read, “and we mandate that all leaders, volunteers and staff members nationwide immediately report any abuse allegation to law enforcement.”

But some accuse the organization of knowing about sexual abuse allegations for decades, during which time it has allegedly denied the claims and actively worked to cover up evidence.

Filing a Sexual Assault Lawsuit

If you are a victim of childhood sexual abuse in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania—even if the abuse happened years ago—you may be able to file a lawsuit. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by abuse and trauma, but it can at least help to provide monetary compensation and hold those responsible for your pain accountable for their actions.

Dealing with sexual abuse litigation can be emotionally taxing, but Top Class Actions can connect you with experienced sexual abuse lawyers that can help you navigate this litigation and maximize your compensation.

Join a Free New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

If you suffered sexual abuse as a child in either New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania by someone at a public or private institution, legal help is available. Fill out the free form on this page for more information.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.