FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office says a 52-year-old Cub Scout den leader is facing two counts of indecency with a child.
On May 5 deputies were notified of the accusations against the suspect, Clifton Ray Poe.
According to FBCSO, the victim is an 8-year-old girl who on several accounts was victimized by Poe, a family acquaintance. Sheriff Troy Nehls says the girl’s brother was in Cub Scouts with Poe’s son.
“During the course of the investigation, information was provided that Clifton Ray Poe, 52, of Rosenberg, is the Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 820. The female victim is the sibling to one of the Cub Scout members,” FBCSO said.
Nehls said earlier this month, the girl was having a conversation with her mother when the allegation came out.
Poe was taken into custody and charged. He was given $30,000 bond for each of the two counts.
The deputies working this case aren’t positive either of the two times Poe allegedly touched the little girl happened at scout meetings. Poe, however, was a leader in a Cub Scout Pack located in Rosenberg.
Investigators are looking into whether more alleged victims are involved.
Poe has now been banned from the scouting program. Nehls said the man did have a criminal history and said Poe’s past had nothing to do with crimes against children.
The Sam Houston Area Council of Boys Scouts of America has given its cooperation in the investigation.
Wednesday afternoon, the following statement was released by Tom Varnell, Scout Executive/CEO, of the Sam Houston Area Council:
“This individual’s behavior is abhorrent and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Upon learning of these reports we took immediate action to remove this individual and prohibit him from any future participation in our programs.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our youth members, which we seek to maintain through comprehensive policies and procedures that serve as barriers to inappropriate or abusive behavior. These include a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff, criminal background checks, requiring two or more adult leaders be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities, and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of misconduct or abuse.”
The sheriff’s office says anyone with concerns or additional info in the case can call (281) 341-4683.