The number of Boy Scout sexual abuse claims tops over 82,000. The matter of extensive Boy Scout sexual abuse allegations made headlines again at the end of March and the beginning of April with the announcement of the first person arraigned on criminal charges. Mark Chapman was arraigned on eight counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The charges were brought in the state of Michigan. Chapman was extradited from New York for the arraignment.
In announcing the charges against Chapman, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel remarked:
These charges are only the beginning. We ask anyone with information that could assist our BSA team to call our investigation tip line. We remain committed to securing justice for survivors of abuse. It remains imperative that sexual predators be held accountable, and one of my top priorities remains securing justice for survivors of abuse.
Nessel's office said six of the second-degree CSC charges stem from alleged abuse that commenced during 2000. The male victim in 2000 was reportedly 13- or 14-years-old. The molestation continued until the victim was 17. The sexual abuse continued through the victim’s high school senior. The various incidents of sexual abuse were said to have occurred at the victim's father's house. The abuse also occurred at the Chapman’s house. Finally, according to court documents, the sexual abuse perpetrated by Chapman also occurred at a local church.
Another male victim mentioned in court documents is described as a family member. The boy was approximately 11 years old when Chapman allegedly abused him. These particular charges, which account for two remaining second-degree counts of criminal sexual conduct and both first-degree counts, revolve around alleged abuse that took place "around times that were designated as special opportunities for Chapman to spend time with the boy," according to the Attorney General’s office.
Chapman reportedly left Michigan in 2007 when he evidently initially was identified as sexual predator associated with the Boy Scouts. He moved to New York.
The statute of limitations for first-degree criminal sexual conduct has changed over the years, from a six-year limit to no limit. With that said, that statute ceases to exist when a suspect leaves the state. In other words, the time period stops running when a suspect leaves the state of Michigan. The fact that the statute stopped running when a person leaves the state of Michigan became irrelevant anyway when the time limitation was removed all together.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can connect with a sexual abuse lawyer from our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. We keep our sexual abuse lawyer telephone line staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all major holidays.
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