Long Island, New York - Assistant Scout Leader Jonathan Spohrer Charged with Sexually Abusing Boy Scout

Nassau County Scoutmaster Accused of Repeatedly Sexually Abusing Scout

Last Update: 7/13/2020

An assistant scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America has been charged with repeatedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy during Boy Scout retreats and meetings in several locations on Long Island, including Suffolk County, Putnam County, and Bellmore.

26-year-old Jonathan Spohrer was arrested on Thursday, October 31 and has been charged with course of sexual conduct against a child. The Boy Scouts of America have also removed him from his position and prohibited him from attending any of the organization’s events.

Spohrer has pleaded not guilty and has been released on bail.

Police believe the alleged abuse occurred several times between January and November of 2018.

Anyone who believes they or someone they know has been a victim of abuse by Spohrer has been asked to call the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS, the Special Victims Squad at 516-573-4022, or 911.

Legal Options For Victims of Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse

Attorney contributor Laurence Banville of Banville Law is a defender of victims’ rights. He represents victims and their families in civil lawsuits against sexual predators and negligent third parties. Here are some thoughts from Laurence on the legal rights of Boy Scouts sex abuse victims and their families:

The Boy Scouts of America organization is facing widespread allegations of group leaders sexually abusing young scouts. According to a six-month investigation by Hearst Connecticut Media, there have been at least 250 cases of scouts being sexually abused in 30 different states.

The Boy Scouts and other youth organizations have a legal duty to make sure their children under their watch are safe from the threat of sexual abuse. But sadly, there have been many cases where organizational negligence allows preventable sexual abuse to occur.

Several lawsuits have been filed against the Boy Scouts of America, alleging various forms of negligence. Some victims have accused group leaders of being aware of sexual abuse but failing to report it to law enforcement, failing to follow safety protocol, and failure to run adequate background checks.

If you or your child is a victim of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts of America, you may also have grounds for a lawsuit. You can learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation with one of our experienced sex abuse victims lawyers.

Sources:

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Assistant-Scoutmaster-Sexually-Abused-Boy-Scout-in-NY-Long-Island-Police-564282021.html

https://abc7chicago.com/boy-scouts-shocked-and-disgusted-over-abuse-allegations/5671360/

https://abc7ny.com/li-boy-scouts-leader-charged-with-sexually-abusing-12-year-old/5666739/