A former assistant director of a Christian camp is facing sexual indecency charges against 14- and 15-year-old boys who attended the camps.
Kanakuk Kamps is popular with kids in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Pete Newman is accused of several counts of sodomy, sexual misconduct towards a child, and enticement of a child.
At one time, Peter Newman was a well-loved leader at a well-known Christian camp, Kanakuk Kamps. Now officials say he faces charges of sexual indecency with young boys, some of whom used to be former campers.
The probable cause statement shows Newman may have abused children between 1999 and 2009, while working as an assistant director at Kanakuk.
The statement reports alleged victims say they engaged in being naked with Newman for various sports activities and bible studies. Camp Owner Joe White says they fired Neuman last spring, as soon as they found out about the situation. Taney County detectives report that Newman sent a letter of confession and apology to White in June.
Many who know Newman say they are shocked. Fayetteville's K-Life Director Richard Cole used to work closely with Newman, and says he never suspected anything. "I've just been around him often, so truth be told, he was a guy I admired a ton. It's hard. It's really hard. Their policies have always been very tight on how we interact with kids, especially on a physical level. I mean, it's no nonsense." Former camper and camp photographer Barkley Beers says, "it was actually a shock when I heard that. I loved the counselors. They were energetic and fun, and just great influences." Abbie Walden is currently a counselor for Kanakuk in the summer. She says, "people have been so hurt by this, because they've put, they've seen him as the Lord, almost, as God, and he's not God." Former counselor and Neuman's friend Lee Morton says, "I did work with Pete ten years ago. It was a positive experience, and so when I heard about this, it was devastating to me. I know that God has used Kanakuk Kamps in the lives of many children, and I think he will continue to do that despite the situation. It's sad that it had to affect so many people before it came into the light." But some like Beers still plan on sending their kids to Kanakuk. "Even with this coming up, I'll still send her. I mean, I had so much fun there. It was just a great experience, and I want her to have that experience." Former camp counselors say they hope that these allegations don't cast a negative light on Kanakuk Kamps, a camp they still feel is trustworthy. Kanakuk officials say they are tightening their already strict hiring policies, background checks, and personal interviews.
Taney County's Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey Merrell, says this case broke September 9th, when a four-count case was filed against Newman, but he says the four were elevated to seven counts on Tuesday, when Newman made his first court appearance.
They include: 2 counts of statutory sodomy, 2 counts of sexual misconduct of a child, and 3 counts of enticement of a child. Also on Tuesday, Merrell says because more alleged victims came forward, a second case was brought against Newman.
This case includes 4 statutory sodomy counts and one enticement count. Merrell says Newman waived the preliminary hearing on both cases, and is free on $600,000 bond, until his next Taney County Circuit Court appearance, which is scheduled for December 17th, at 10 a.m.
Merrell says in Missouri, each enticement count carries a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 30 years, which is considered a life sentence in Missouri. He says the other counts vary.
Merrell says the alleged victims are of varying ages, but none are adults.
For officials Kanakuk statements:
Doug Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of Kanakuk Kamps: http://www.insidekanakuk.com/2009/09/official-kanakuk-statement.html -
Joe White, Kanakuk Officer: http://www.insidekanakuk.com/2009/09/e-mail-to-all-kamp-families-re-former.html
Kanakuk Kamps is popular with kids in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Pete Newman is accused of several counts of sodomy, sexual misconduct towards a child, and enticement of a child.
At one time, Peter Newman was a well-loved leader at a well-known Christian camp, Kanakuk Kamps. Now officials say he faces charges of sexual indecency with young boys, some of whom used to be former campers.
The probable cause statement shows Newman may have abused children between 1999 and 2009, while working as an assistant director at Kanakuk.
The statement reports alleged victims say they engaged in being naked with Newman for various sports activities and bible studies. Camp Owner Joe White says they fired Neuman last spring, as soon as they found out about the situation. Taney County detectives report that Newman sent a letter of confession and apology to White in June.
Many who know Newman say they are shocked. Fayetteville's K-Life Director Richard Cole used to work closely with Newman, and says he never suspected anything. "I've just been around him often, so truth be told, he was a guy I admired a ton. It's hard. It's really hard. Their policies have always been very tight on how we interact with kids, especially on a physical level. I mean, it's no nonsense." Former camper and camp photographer Barkley Beers says, "it was actually a shock when I heard that. I loved the counselors. They were energetic and fun, and just great influences." Abbie Walden is currently a counselor for Kanakuk in the summer. She says, "people have been so hurt by this, because they've put, they've seen him as the Lord, almost, as God, and he's not God." Former counselor and Neuman's friend Lee Morton says, "I did work with Pete ten years ago. It was a positive experience, and so when I heard about this, it was devastating to me. I know that God has used Kanakuk Kamps in the lives of many children, and I think he will continue to do that despite the situation. It's sad that it had to affect so many people before it came into the light." But some like Beers still plan on sending their kids to Kanakuk. "Even with this coming up, I'll still send her. I mean, I had so much fun there. It was just a great experience, and I want her to have that experience." Former camp counselors say they hope that these allegations don't cast a negative light on Kanakuk Kamps, a camp they still feel is trustworthy. Kanakuk officials say they are tightening their already strict hiring policies, background checks, and personal interviews.
Taney County's Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey Merrell, says this case broke September 9th, when a four-count case was filed against Newman, but he says the four were elevated to seven counts on Tuesday, when Newman made his first court appearance.
They include: 2 counts of statutory sodomy, 2 counts of sexual misconduct of a child, and 3 counts of enticement of a child. Also on Tuesday, Merrell says because more alleged victims came forward, a second case was brought against Newman.
This case includes 4 statutory sodomy counts and one enticement count. Merrell says Newman waived the preliminary hearing on both cases, and is free on $600,000 bond, until his next Taney County Circuit Court appearance, which is scheduled for December 17th, at 10 a.m.
Merrell says in Missouri, each enticement count carries a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 30 years, which is considered a life sentence in Missouri. He says the other counts vary.
Merrell says the alleged victims are of varying ages, but none are adults.
For officials Kanakuk statements:
Doug Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer of Kanakuk Kamps: http://www.insidekanakuk.com/2009/09/official-kanakuk-statement.html -
Joe White, Kanakuk Officer: http://www.insidekanakuk.com/2009/09/e-mail-to-all-kamp-families-re-former.html
