'I am a child molester' Former Chillicothe Boy Scout leader apologizes on social media

By Lu Ann Stoia
Fox28 TV
July 12, 2020

https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/i-am-a-child-molester-former-chillicothe-boy-scout-leader-apologizes-on-social-media

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A former church youth leader and Boy Scout leader is taking to social media to admit he is a child molester. In a Facebook post Sunday Bill McKell said “My name is Bill McKell, and I am a child molester.... There is no excuse for what I have done. I sincerely apologize and seek forgiveness of each person I have caused to suffer hurt and shame.”

McKell said he abused young boys and teenagers for decades in the 80s and 90s.

ABC 6 reached out to the Boy Scouts of America about McKell and received the following statement:

First and foremost, we care deeply about all victims of child abuse and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting.We are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to abuse innocentchildren.We believe victims, we support them, andwe encourage them tocome forward.

This individual was added to our Volunteer Screening Database over 25 years ago following allegations of inappropriate behavior. This bars him from participation in any Scouting activities, regardless of location.

The Volunteer Screening Database –a tool the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for all youth-serving organizations – serves as one of BSA’s many strong barriers to abuse, which also include: a leadership policy that requires at least two youth-protection trained adults be present with youth at all times and bans one-on-one situations where adults would have any interactions alone with children – either in person, online, or via text; a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff including criminal background checks, and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse.

The BSA offers to fund in-person counseling for abuse survivors and members of their families by a provider of their choice. The BSA also partnered with 1in6, a trusted national resource for male survivors, to meaningfully expand its online services so that more men who suffered abuse while in Scouting can anonymously access vital support from trained advocates when and how they need it. Survivors can access these independent services at www.1in6.org/BSA.

For more information about the BSA’s youth protection policies, our commitment to supporting victims, and our efforts to be part of the broader solution to child abuse, please visit: www.scouting.org/youth-safety.

ABC 6 has learned McKell is under local and federal investigation by authorities, but has not been formally charged with the crimes.

More than 18 boys are named in a police report claiming McKell sexually abused them.

In his Facebook post McKell said he seeks prayers for everyone he has hurt.

So far no response from McKell or his lawyer. The statute of limitations in Ohio could be a factor in the case.

Full Facebook post from Bill McKell:

Open Letter

My name is Bill McKell and I am a child molester.

Every 12-step program begins with admission. I have been one who abused teenage boys. As far as I am able to tell, it is a disease of the mind not unlike alcoholism or drug addiction. It is a sickness that can never be cured or healed, only recovered from. That being said, there is no excuse for what I have done.

Over the last week, a police report that should have remained private has been spread all over social media. As one who has been charged with no crime and who has had no opportunity to present a legally-represented defense, I should be upset. I am not upset for myself since this social media wildfire has driven me to this admission. But I am upset that the names and pain of my accusers have been so publicly displayed and that a similarly horrific social media campaign could be waged against almost anyone.

But this one has been waged against me and I have something to admit. During my late teens, twenties and early thirties, I had inappropriate contact with a number of young men.

In 1996, I attended a spiritual renewal weekend that changed my life as I realized how truly sick I was. At that point, I committed myself to recovery. I would love to say I was instantly “cured.” I was not, but I am recovered.

I sincerely apologize and seek the forgiveness of each person I have caused to suffer hurt and shame. You were among my closest friends and I abused your friendship and betrayed your trust. I am truly sorry. I also wish to seek the forgiveness of your parents, spouses, children and any others who have suffered from the scars I have inflicted.

While I will vigorously defend myself from any false charges brought against me, I will direct my counsel to work cooperatively on any legitimate charge.

While recovery is challenging, I have learned that limits, control and accountability are key. Accountability has always been hampered by my fear of confession. One wonderful friend even gave me an opportunity to confess and, I hope, to receive forgiveness, but I was too much of a coward to seize the opportunity.

Accountability will be easier now that everyone around me is aware of my disease. It is the “everyone around me” that I must apologize to next. To my former coworkers and those who have defended me through the rumors and accusations because they could not reconcile the man they know with the man described, I thank you and I’m sorry. Please forgive me for letting you down. I am working hard to remain only the man you know. This admission finally gives me the freedom to get the professional help I need to assure that.

Finally, I seek mercy and grace from my family—immediate and otherwise. I am causing you much shame and pain and anguish. I am so sorry you are suffering for my sins. Please forgive me. I pray you will be given space to grieve.

I seek prayers for everyone I have hurt.