CA - Eagle Scout and Assistant Scout Master to be Arraigned for Child Abuse
A Northern California Boy Scout leader will be arraigned tomorrow on charges that he sexually abused two Scouts.
Dustin Lee Hedrick is to be arraigned in Tehama County Tuesday at 8:30 am, facing six counts of forcible lewd acts on a child under 14. Hedrick, a 21 year old Scout leader from Butte County, is alleged to have sexually abused two Scouts on camping trips between 2009 and 2012. The alleged victims at the time of the abuse were 13 and 16.
Hedrick’s arraignment comes on the heels of the court-mandated release of the BSA’s “perversion files,” which show how BSA executives knew about abuses by many of its Scout officials and either took no action, did so belatedly or actively concealed the alleged crimes.
“People will say that ‘this was over, this all happened decades ago,’” said David Clohessy, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. “This sad story illustrates just how wrong that thinking is.”
SNAP is applauding the victims for coming forward at such a young age. By coming forward now, they say, it prevents Hedrick from being able to abuse any more scouts.
“We are fortunate that these kids are able to pursue justice through the courts,” said Clohessy. “Too often, these abuses get swept away for years and cases get hit by the statute of limitations and the predators get away. That’s why we urge people to come forward now, with any detail, and help prevent future abuses.”
One victim is represented by Sacramento-area attorney/psychologist Joseph C. George (916-641-7300, [email protected]). Dr. George is urging anyone who may have information about Hedrick to contact Tehama District Attorney Greg Cohen at (530) 527-3053.