Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse Claims

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Seeking Justice for Victims of Sexual Abuse in the Boy Scouts of America

For a long period of time, the Boy Scouts of America has been aware of a problem with sexual abuse. The organization kept files on scout leaders and volunteers and maintained a list of hundreds of people affiliated with the organization that had faced allegations of sexually abusing Boy Scouts. Although the files are by no means comprehensive, they display a chronic problem within the organization that led to countless young children being victimized over the years.

If you were the victim of sexual abuse while participating in the Boy Scouts of America don’t wait, the attorneys at Berman & Simmons have the knowledge and experience to help navigate your claim. In fact, we’ve presented best practices at a national legal convention, teaching other lawyers how to find insurance coverage for victims of sexual abuse and win cases.

Working with You to Hold Sexual Abusers Accountable

Sexual abuse claims present a web of emotional and psychological challenges. We understand how hard it can be to come forward as a survivor of childhood sexual assault. Braving cultural stigma, reliving past trauma, and facing those responsible for your pain is difficult and takes immense courage. We also realize aggressive pursuit of sexual abuse claims and the fact-intensive nature of these cases can trigger painful memories and feelings. Discovering the heinous nature of such conduct, how and when it comes to light, and the impact it has had on your life requires us to maintain a delicate balance of sensitivity and diligence. We’re mindful of these issues and prepared to empower you with a voice to share your story, while we fight for your rights.

Boy Scouts of America Knew This Was Happening

The Boy Scouts of America maintained records on individuals associated with the organization that had been accused of sexual abuse. Some of these claims were ultimately substantiated in court. Between 1965 and 1985, the Boy Scouts of America maintained files on 19 individuals from Maine or New Hampshire that had received complaints or allegations of sexual abuse. These “Perversion Files” can be seen below.

Berman & Simmons makes no suggestion that the allegations in all of these files are in every case true. However, the incidents outlined in the documents below do highlight the organization’s knowledge of accusations of sexual abuse and the Boy Scouts of America’s response to some of these specific claims.

BSA Sex Abuse Complaints in Maine

Harold E. Bailey – Bucksport, ME
View Complaint (4/25/1978)

William Boyd Brown – Westbrook, ME
View Complaint (3/25/1977)

David J. Brunette – Kittery, ME
View Complaint (8/4/1983)

Alfred J. Conrad – Augusta, ME
View Complaint (7/26/1984)

Fred A. Cram – Casco, ME
View Complaint (3/1/1984)

Hazen James Currier – Lebanon, ME
View Complaint (1/30/1981)

Gene Vincent Graves – Mara Hill, ME
View Complaint (7/8/1964)

Frederick Maitland – Cumberland, ME
View Complaint (4/10/1983)

Sex Abuse Complaints in New Hampshire

Robert Fredrick Bishop – Nashua, NH
View Complaint (6/28/1973)

Alfred Francis Cote – Danville, NH
View Complaint (11/27/1984)

Fred Cote – Danville, NH
View Complaint (11/27/1984)

Dionne Wilfrid – Manchester, NH
View Complaint (2/16/1961)

Doiron Wilfred Donat – Manchester, NH
View Complaint (2/16/1961)

Richard A. Dubois – Manchester, NH
View Complaint (4/20/1982)

Robert Litteer – Laconia, NH
View Complaint (10/1/1985)

Alfred J. Oxton – Gorham, NH
View Complaint (8/31/1979)

William G. Ricker – Claremont, NH
View Complaint (7/16/1970)

Robert John Sherman – North Woodstock, NH
View Complaint (5/8/1983)

Robert F. Wood – Plaistow, NH
View Complaint (3/3/1983)

Forming the Best Team to Stand by Your Side

We are committed to forming the best team to represent you and several lawyers from our firm may work together on your case.  On select cases, Berman & Simmons may co-counsel with nationally-recognized lawyers who also specialize in sex abuse cases.  We are licensed in several states where you may need to bring your claim, and can easily form a team with our network of lawyers across the county to file claims in any state, representing you through “pro-hac vice” admission if needed.

As our client, you don’t have to go through any of this alone. Together, we can help you take on the most powerful.

Get Peace of Mind

It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.

  • We understand that recalling and discussing the details of your abuse can be extremely difficult and will work with you to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible
  • The lawyers of Berman & Simmons will advise you of your rights and advocate on your behalf
  • Our attorneys will make sure everything is completely confidential and nothing moves forward unless you’re ready to pursue legal action