Former Springfield Church Elder Accused of Sex Crimes against Children

By Mary Moloney
KSPR
February 6, 2013

http://www.kspr.com/news/kspr-former-springfield-church-elder-accused-of-sex-crimes-against-children-20130206,0,6269636.story

[with video]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A former Springfield church elder is accused of sex crimes against two children. Prosecutors charged 59-year-old Scott Blair with seven felonies including child molestation and statutory sodomy.

Prosecutors said for almost a decade, Scott Blair preyed on young family members. Investigators said both of his victims were under the age of 10.

"Our office takes an aggressive stance against child abuse cases and sexual abuse cases and whenever we can corroborate a child's account, we'll file a charge," explained Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson. "The children in this case are known to the offender which is often the common scenario."

According to court documents, Blair inappropriately touched one girl several times at his Springfield house. She told investigators the abuse occurred when she was between the ages of six and eight years old. The victim, who is now a teenager, said Blair had also kissed her with his mouth open. The girl said the abuse stopped after she turned nine.

The second victim told investigators Blair did similar things to her within the past year. She also was between the ages of six and eight.

"What that indicates, as is often the case, many times offenders have a preference for an age group that they prey upon," said Patterson.

Blair used to be one of the elders of the Southeast Bible Chapel. After members found out about the allegations, they cut ties with the man they once considered a leader.

In court documents, investigators wrote Blair admitted to inappropriately touching the children. When detectives asked him if there were other victims or other instances of similar behavior, Blair described an event with another family member when he was 11-years-old.

Although charges are filed, prosecutors said this is only the beginning of a long process. Wednesday, Blair posted a $25,000 bond. Thursday, he is scheduled to be booked, have his mug shot taken, and then released from the Greene County Jail.

For the victims, the process of healing, may take a lifetime.

"Oftentimes this plagues a person," said Patterson. "And troubles them throughout their adult life."

If convicted on all seven counts, Scott Blair could be sentenced to life in prison.

Contact: mmoloney@kspr.com