A Pennsylvania judge who is also a leader of the Royal Rangers, a small group church ministry for boys, has been accused of sexually assaulting a child and authorities believe there may be other victims.

Michael Schechterly, 58, a Perry County Magisterial District Judge, was charged with unlawful contact with children, corruption of minors and indecent assault involving a 12-year-old boy, according to Attorney General Josh Shapiro. He was taken into custody in November 2020.

Pennsylvania State Police began investigating Schechterly after community members expressed concerns regarding his contact with children. There were reports Schechterly would bring children into his district court office and home regularly, authorities said, adding that he was in contact with several children through the Royal Rangers youth program at his church, where he served as “Commander Mike.”

Investigators later learned of the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy at Schechterly’s home in 2012. Separately, a witness reported seeing Schechterly touch his genitals while in the presence of a child, according to a release from Shapiro’s office.

In June 2021, Shapiro announced that additional charges have been made against Schechterly: intimidation, obstruction, and official impression for using his authority as a judge to intimidate a witness in the 2013 investigation of potential sexual misconduct by a state constable.

“Michael Schechterly used his authority as a judge to obstruct a police investigation and intimidate a witness, rather than serve his community and the people who trusted him,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “My office is committed to seeking justice for victims and uncovering public corruption–wherever it’s found.”

These allegations were uncovered in the process of investigation Schechterly’s alleged misconduct with children

Now, officials are searching for other potential sexual assault victims.

“Serious allegations show this judge violated the trust that the citizens of Perry County placed in him by sexually abusing a little boy,” Shapiro said in a statement. “There may be other victims. If you have any information about Michael Schechterly, please call the Pennsylvania State Police hotline at 717-881-6937. We will hold the powerful and well-connected accountable to law just like everyone else. My office will investigate and prosecute anyone who abuses their authority to harm Pennsylvanians, no matter what position of power they may hold.”

The Royal Rangers program Schechterly was involved in worked with boys ages K–12, and according to their mission statement is meant to “evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders.”

In November 2021, Schechterly pleaded guilty to inappropriate contact with minors, as well as intimidating a witness and obstructing an investigation of sexual misconduct by a state constable.

The charges against Schechterly aren’t the first sexual assault allegations to surface involving someone in the program.

In 2018, six men from Oregon filed a lawsuit against the Albany First Assembly church, alleging two youth leaders in the church-sponsored Royal Rangers program sexually abused them as children. In 2016, a separate lawsuit made a similar allegation.

The 2018 complaint alleges the two men “abused their position of leadership, trust, and respect as church leaders and mentors to repeatedly sexually abuse all six of these boys when they were as young as 10 years old,” according to the attorneys who filed the lawsuit. Both men were convicted of child sexual abuse in 1988.

What can you do if you believe were a victim?

The Royal Rangers list on their website ways to manage the “risk of child molestation in churches.” Many organizations reportedly have lax methods for reporting abuse.

“Church leaders need to review current policies and be prepared to take additional steps to protect minors,” the website states.

It is essential for any organization that serves children to include background checks, methods for reporting abuse, and training staff and volunteers to recognize signs of abuse.

Anyone in the following states who believes they may have experienced sexual abuse of any kind while in the Royal Rangers program may be eligible to join a lawsuit.

• California
• North Carolina
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania

If you or someone you love has been subjected to abuse in the Royal Rangers program or a youth organization like it, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by abuse, but it can at least provide some financial compensation, as well as help hold those responsible, including individuals and organizations, accountable for their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Learn your rights by filling out the form on this page for a free claim review.