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  DCF Closes Camp Tracey Investigation

By Ryan Duffy
First Coast News

September 17, 2008

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=119000&catid=15

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Two months after arrests at Camp Tracey in Baker County for child abuse the state's investigation has been closed. The Department Of Children and Families says no evidence of abuse was found.

"Ultimately we have to have some evidence that abuse took place and what you have is there is not enough evidence to show the abuse took place so ultimately the investigation was closed," says John Harrell with DCF.

Cameron Holt went to the camp for a year in the 90's and says he was physically and sexually abused by counselors.

"If that many children are reaching out for help and people keep ignoring them that's a problem with the system," says Holt.

But a possible criminal prosecution is still pending against camp staff member John Wilson who was arrested for child abuse in July.

The Baker County State Attorney's office says they are still doing interviews and collecting evidence.

Several kids at the camp were also questioned in July about participating in group sexual activity and an 18-year-old was arrested for participating in sexual activity with a minor.

Camp Tracey is run by Harvest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, church pastor and camp founder Wilford McCormick was out of town Wednesday and not available for comment.

 
 

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