AG and MSP investigate Boy Scout abuse allegations

(LANSING, Mich.) Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel says her office will team up with the Michigan State Police (MSP) to investigate sexual abuse allegations agains the Boy Scouts of America.

“My department has proven our commitment to accountability through similar sex abuse investigations and I believe with the public’s help we can secure justice for survivors who endured abuse through Boy Scouts of America,” said Nessel. “We stand ready to fight for those wronged by people they should have been able to trust." 

Nessel's office and the MSP will work to get information about  sexual abuse allegations that were brought up during civil litigation recently.

The attorney general's office and the MSP are also asking to report any cases of abuse that would help with their investigation.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Attorney General’s office on this important investigation,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “We understand the critical role our investigators will play in supporting survivors who may come forward in this case, and are prepared to leverage resources statewide to address any allegations we receive.” 

In response to the investigation, The Boy Scouts of America released this statement: 

"The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) wholeheartedly shares in the commitment recently expressed by Michigan’s attorney general and state police to provide support for abuse survivors. That same commitment led us to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the two main imperatives of equitably compensating survivors who were harmed during their time in Scouting and continuing the mission of Scouting. We are moved by the bravery of those who came forward to file claims in the BSA’s Chapter 11 case. The BSA is committed to supporting Michigan’s newly announced investigative efforts and will fully cooperate.

The BSA requires that all employees and volunteers promptly report any allegation or suspicion of abuse to local authorities so that allegations can be investigated by law enforcement. Incidents described in the claims filed in the BSA’s Chapter 11 case were previously reported to local Michigan law enforcement. We will continue to share information and cooperate with related investigations. All BSA local councils across the country have been instructed to report claims to local law enforcement and fully cooperate with their investigative efforts.

Consistent with our commitment to protecting Scouts and upholding our values as an organization, the BSA strongly supports efforts to ensure that anyone who commits sexual abuse is held accountable. We believe it is imperative that all convicted abusers serve their full criminal sentences and comply with any post-release requirements to protect children and reduce recidivism. We also support efforts to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual abuse, including by reforming civil and criminal statutes of limitations governing allegations of abuse."

Anyone who has information they think may help the investigation can leave a tip by calling the investigation's hotline at 844-324-3374.

Those tips can be left anonymously and the tip line is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.