He was skilled, personable, friendly, outgoing, and passionate. Its time to stop the clock for child sex abuse survivors, Phillips said. Three years later the Kanakuk survivors community is connected and knows of more than 170 victims spanning from the 1950s to today, with allegations against 50 unique perpetrators. On April 3, 2021, Kanakuk sent a cease-and-desist letterto No More Victims demanding that the group take down the FactsAboutKanakuk website, recently launched at that time. Their Thursday open letteralso calls on the camp to end the practice of asking alleged victims to sign legal non-disclosure agreements when their cases are settled, calling the use of NDAs one of many "intimidation tactics" thecamp uses to hushup allegations of sexual assault. They argue Kanakuk should agree to an external, independent investigation. You would think KKuk would have installed policies that would never allow counselors to be alone with children. Former staff members solicited child sexual abuse material (child porn) from campers. The current civil statute laws only protect the perpetrator. The Bible does not tell us that the Lord allows these things to happen for a reason. The 2019 publication Molestation and Abuse by Camp Counselors lists 22 summer camps in Texas. Print Headline: Kanakuk abuse survivors seek to extend statute of limitations, Copyright 2023, News Tribune Publishing. These offenses include sexual assault of a child, aggravated assault of a child, continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual, sex trafficking of a child, compelling a child into prostitution and indecency with a child. Want to share a story? A lawsuit filed on behalf of John Doe XII alleging sexual assault is filed against former Kanakuk Kamps Director Pete Newman, currently serving two life sentences plus 30 years in Missouri state prison for sexual crimes. It is time for Joe White and the Kanakuk network to practice what it preaches. Ed Ringheim, a former counselor, bus chaperone and volunteer for K-Life is sentenced to 15 years in Florida state prison for the sexual abuse of children. The abuse began in the fall of 2000, it alleges, and continued over the next several years, during which time Newman encouraged the boy to perform a series of activities in the nude, including swinging naked from a trapeze into the pool, and engage in acts of mutual masturbation. Sources tell the Branson Tri-Lakes News committee members are split on whether to pass the bill. I have attended Kanakuk as a kid, worked at Kanakuk several years ago, and now an returning for another summer as a counselor, not to mention my mother worked there in college as well. However, if you have fewer than a handful of kids a 2nd adult provides accountability and deterrence, and if you have more kids than one adult can safely manage then a 2nd adult is needed from a pure management perspective. Please consider subscribing to support vital local journalism. When a statute of limitations is extended prospectively, organizations can make rational and appropriate decisions to reduce their liability exposure. I know a few boys were horribly hurt by this mans actions, but also thousands of children were irreparably harmed by the evil this role model was hiding. I was crushed to find out I was a few years past the Missouri statute of limitations. Messages sent to those addresses came back undeliverable, and the phone numbers appeared to be disconnected. We tell our staff we will work night and day to send any sort of offender to jail, for as long as possible. She said not only was he welcomed back to Kanakuk in 2017, having posted a photo of himself and CEO Joe White at the camp on Facebook, but he has also worked in Kanakuks KLIFE, three different schools, and has been a girls volleyball coach. The average age of disclosure is 52, Phillips said. Take action by signing this petition to urge Joe White and Kanakuk Ministries to allow victims to have a voice. 11 Kanakuk has used NDAs to prevent survivors from publicly disclosing their abuse experiences and lawsuit findings. I really feel awful for these kids and hope they are able to put this nightmare behind them. I bring this bill forward because these horrors have even perpetrated my district, Seitz said. she is a wonderful person, but you have to wonder how many employees are hired just by giving one phone reference. The third witness, Keith Dygart, reported on his own settlement with Kanakuk, describing the immense toll his legal battle took on his family. . Victims have been silenced by nondisclosure agreements in out-of-court settlements. Man charged in killing at Kansas City homeless encampment where body was found in shack, Kansas City police locate 6-year-old missing from Broadway Gillham on Wednesday, $25,000 reward offered for location of missing Johnson County mother, believed dead, Suspected high-level drug trafficker arrested at KC house where 1 died, 3 cops shot, So talented: Kansas City jazz singer, dancer, legend Ronald McFadden dies at 66, A Kansas City musical force and light, jazz and R&B singer Ida McBeth dies at 70, Man found dead inside house where Kansas City police officers were shot late Tuesday. This is a matter of life and death, she said. I am now a 45-year-old woman with what I consider to be great strength, and it takes a lot of courage to get up here today and say this. Jones said her abuser was fired by Kanakuk, but law enforcement was not called even after her abuser admitted he had committed the crime. The survivors, family members, and advocates who testified in favor of the bill argued that childhood sexual abuse survivors can take years to come forward -- and that evidence of institutional wrongdoing that would spur civil action can take years to come to light, too, necessitating a higher cap on the age limit. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, would extend the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file civil action until they turn 55 years old. Many victims fight for years amidst trauma, depression, suicidal thoughts, and shame, and it takes them years to be ready to tell their stories, if ever, and not all even survive.. This lawsuit may be the tipping point that puts Kanakuk out of business, but I think Joe White must be held accountable for placing powerless young children in the path of a known pedophile. In March of 2021, a group of Kanakuk abuse survivors and their family members launched Facts About Kanakuk , a A Bolivar law firm was honored last month for obtaining a $20 million judgment in a child sex abuse case involving Branson's Kanakuk Ministries. That lawsuit was settled in April, also for an undisclosed amount. They did, however, issue a statement regarding Newmans actions and their subsequent response. Anyone that knows Pete knows that he was a completely off-the-wall, wild, and fun guy who was always involved in something crazy going on at camp. ", "(Leadership) stated they fired Newman as soon as they were aware of his abusive behaviors, and that he acted alone," Hoffpauir said. Newman also sexually abused the boy multiple times at Newmans home and in other locations, the lawsuit says. Rebecca Randles, the Kansas City lawyer representing John Doe DK and his parents, said the alleged victim, now 26, is from southwest Missouri. have a no private alone-time policy between adults and minors and, for that matter, teenage junior counselors and the children they are supervising, with exceptions only during emergencies and when those happen, a full report by the adult of who he was with, what he was doing, and why they had to be alone together. They hope to extend or eliminate the civil limitations on legal action, which would allow abuse victims more time to report their experiences to law enforcement. WebSurvivors and family members of victims of sexual abuse at Kanakuk camps testified at a hearing before the Missouri House Judiciary Committee regarding a bill proposed by local state Rep. Brian Seitz to change laws to help survivors of childhood sexual assault. The first victim with Kanakuk ties who spoke at the hearing, Elizabeth Phillips, discussed how the bill would help prevent self-harm and suicidal thoughts, which multiple victims said is a pressing issue among Kanakuk survivors. Horrible things happen- it is the nature of our world and the nature of people. He said only that it is "supported by victims and victims' family members" and that "because of the situation that Kanakuk has created with threats of retaliation and action against them, the entity has made the decision that it needs to protect the names in the sources of its ownership for fear of further retaliation from Kanakuk.". If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In motions filed in the lawsuits, Kanakuk officials deny knowing that Newman posed a threat to children while working at the popular camp. Supported by prominent Christian leaders, organizations and celebrities, the Kanakuk experience and philosophies have spread to communities across the nation and around the globe. These offenses include sexual assault of a child, aggravated assault of a child, continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual, sex trafficking of a child, compelling a child into prostitution and indecency with a child. so you have to wonder how many more girls this creep assaulted over the years. John Hobbs, who testified in support of the bill, and said he was abused by a former Boy Scout leader, asked: "Is it really worth today's world trying to suppress someone's life such as mine simply to save your extremely wealthy company and/or clients money? In one case a counselor encouraged a camper to, Another survivor stepped forward to share his, Survivors have also come forward with reports of. Joe Whites private pilot, Robert John Morgan, who flies him to speaking engagements and medical appointments, is indicted on charges of sodomizing a female victim under the age of 14. Do they have access to the Internet? The editor evenposted a special piece about the process of investigating Kanakukwhich explained that, in deference to the brave survivors who came forward, they were making the articles available for free. , filed by Rep. Brian Seitz (R) and co-sponsored by Rep. Sarah Unsicker (D), proposes an extension of the civil statute of limitations. Two similar lawsuits, both filed in 2011, were settled this year. For years, I remember walking down to my parents room at night and putting my hand on the doorknob and wanting to go in to tell them, and going back upstairs and crying myself to sleep, because I didnt have the courage at the time to say something, she said. That is why being informed is the only way to prevent or stop such atrocities from happening. Wake up KKuk. Between 2003 and 2008, Yandell was abused by camp counselor and director Peter Pete Newman multiple times, in multiple states as well as in China during a mission trip. I didnt know to fight for myself at that time, Jones said. Let your courts hear these cases. This story was originally published December 1, 2013, 11:03 PM. http://crimesceneinvestigations.blogspot.com/2011/03/federal-lawsuit-filed-in-texas-against.html. Survivors and family members of victims of sexual abuse at Kanakuk camps testified at a hearing before the Missouri House Judiciary Committee regarding a So they told my mother about the abuse, and she said they encouraged her not to call the authorities because it would be traumatic and hard for a young girl to go through.. He has access to thousands of children with little supervision. This is the most important thing. Anything less than what this bill proposes gives perpetrators and the institutions that harbor them an advantage over abused children and their recoveries. A $20 million judgment is awarded In the Doe IX case, making it the top plaintiffs judgment in Missouri for that year. Evan Hoffpauir, another victim who spoke at the hearing, said he did not learn for years that Kanakuk Kamps was aware of his abusers predatory tendencies the year they met, in 1999. Pete was articulate. Rich AuBuchon, a registered lobbyist for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and Missouri Civil Justice Reform Coalition, also spoke against the bill but wanted to claim at the start of his testimony his issue was not about the subject matter which brought forth the measure. Get professional help immediately. Kanakuk leadership maintains they had no advanced knowledge of his behavior, and Newman was a "master of deception. He admitted the abuse then and now to the MS church. (Kanakuk was founded in 1926 and served more than 450,000 campers since then, according to its website. One lawsuit, filed in Taney County, alleges former director Peter D. Newman molested a teen from 2000 to 2005, beginning when the boy was 13. Actor and comedian Bill Cosby publicly endorses Kanakuks Kids Across America camp for urban youth, stating Kids Across America is doing what needs to be done with kids, and you need to become part of this place too.. Kanakuk must be held to account. Each person who spoke with the CBS 11 I-Team says he or she, or a family member of his or hers, was sexually abused at Kanakuk Kamps sometime between 1999 and 2008. Kanakuk leadership then confronts Newman, who initially reveals about 15 names of boys he had abused. i also was, last year, the sole reference for a young woman who got hired as a camp counsellor in another camp. The first of many civil lawsuits against Kanakuk and former Director Pete Newman are filed. Camp officials said they had terminated Lee Bradberry, 22, of Auburn, Ala., in July 2011 after learning from campers of an incident in which he had behaved inappropriately. Soon afterward, he begins a 14-year history of sexual crimes with male campers. My brother was silenced with an NDA," one of the family members told CBS 11. On Twitter, find him at @GregHolmanNL. Two civil lawsuits are filed in Missouri on behalf of John Doe X and John Doe XI, alleging sexual abuses and negligence against Pete Newman. The News-Leader tried to reach White, Kanakuk CEO and board chair, for an interview Thursday by calling three phone numbers linked to him in public database records and by emailing sixaddresses linked to White and his wife, Debbie-Jo. My heart breaks for everyone involved. A new lawsuit has been filed against Kanakuk Kamps. He is prominently featured on the Kanakuk Kamps website and in camp videos and written materials. Kanakuk leadership received reports of Newman engaged in nude activity with campers as early as 1999, according to an affidavit of Newman's former supervisor. Ive just received this press release initiated by the Turley Law Firm. I agree with namelessbased on the lawsuit, it seems the camp had knowledge that Pete Newmans criminal behavior dated back years and still employed him, putting countless other campers at risk. Key facts and new revelations about sexual abuse at Kanakuk Kamps: The National Center on Sexual Exploitation stands with the survivors in demanding Kankuk release them from their NDAs and welcome their public testimony so they could pursue healing (tragically, several victims of Kanakuk have died by suicide which is highly suspected to have been due to the trauma of the abuse they endured). WebSeveral former Kanakuk Kamps staff members have been convicted of child sexual abuse with more under suspicion but the true scope of their collective crimes remains WebA lawsuit filed on behalf of John Doe XII alleging sexual assault is filed against former Kanakuk Kamps Director Pete Newman, currently serving two life sentences plus 30 Newman, now 38, received two life sentences plus 30 years. The newspaper did not receive a response to written questions sent to thatemail account by deadline. Kanakuk Kamps releases its first written policy on preventing sexual abuse, 19 years after materials to educate staff were readily available and more than 23 years after the Camp Directors Guide: Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children was published by the U.S. Department of Justice. The camp made few public statements about the outbreak, and its communications office did not respond to multiple news media interview requests. Joe Alarcon, father of Ashton Alarcon from Amarillo, Texas, spoke in Texas on behalf of Kanakuk survivors, including his son, who was abused in multiple states, including Texas, he said. "Your clients website defames Kanakuk with baseless and dangerous allegations," Houston-based attorneys for the Missouri camp wrote, complaining of "unsubstantiated 'facts,'" and a "concerted misinformation campaign against Kanakukin hopes of attracting potential sex abuse victimsmost likely for its own (financial) gain.". A group of people who say they're survivors of past sexual abuse at Kanakuk camp in southwest Missouri called on the Branson-area Christian youth camp The bill, H.B. This is a centralized source for gaining knowledge and for sharing experiences and resources. Phillips said the current statute of limitations has a traumatic impact on survivors. Earlier this year, a former counselor was sentenced to 10 years for sexually abusing three boys ages 9, 10 and 12 who had attended the camp in 2011. "Dozens of survivors and family members of survivors have collaborated on this letter," said Hastings, the No More Victims lawyer, on Thursday afternoon. It is 52. So far, we know of over 15 deaths of despair associated with Kanakuk abuse. Dont rush them into civil litigation like my brother. If yes, when and where? she never told anyone until 10 years later, she was so ashamed and embarrassed. Pedophilia at Kanakuk: Power, lies and evangelical values that cover up abuse. Although it is coming out about Kanakuk leadership putting him on probation in 1999 and 2003, I have complete faith that they only knew about the streaking(which is inappropriate but probably not criminal). We encourage you to read them yourselves to truly understand the full scope of abuse and institutional wrong-doing by Kanakuk. I have caring, very involved parents, they just trusted a person that had proven to be a friend of the family- the signs were there, however they dont seem out of place in a community of love and caring attitudes such as the church. Maybe Mr. White was trying to contain the situation or do damage control by keeping Pete Newman on staff (knowing that if he was terminated, the truth would likely become known), but his decision to retain Newman in the face of his criminal behavior against the campers was a terrible lapse in judgement. While Morgan awaits trial, White invites him to live on Kanakuk property. Who wants that? If a non-profit organization or business knows Missouri has eliminated its statute of limitations for a particular type of claim, it can adopt an appropriate retention policy.. As a victim of sexual abuse by a family friend and babysitter, I can tell you that the majority of sexual abuse is by people you trust and it is key that EVERYONE not just camps and schools recognize the signs of an adult or older child who is preying on younger children. This is a topic too big for a blog site to grasp effectively. Keith Dygert, another victim of Kanakuk abuse, called Seitzs bill a bill that would truly be a massive step forward in protecting the victims of sexual abuse in Missouri. She noted Missouri in 2018 removed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse on the criminal side, and testified it was time to catch up on the civil side of the law. The same leadership is still at the helm. I think so.. You have a serious problem. Newman is known to have abused more than 50 Kanakuk campers prior to his conviction in 2010. As a result, Grimes goes on to work in youth ministry, is caught abusing children as a youth pastor at another institution, and is ultimately convicted in 2002. An investigation would alsoholdcamp officials accountable for abuse, improvecamp conditions and providerestitution for any victims, No More Victims argues. Newman reportedly hadnaked conversations with underage "kampers" and engaged in mutual masturbation and "hot tub Bible studies" with minors in his care. It hardly took any time at all for Pete for start sexually abusing me, Dygert testified. Through no fault of their own, children and/or the medically disabled who have been abused in the past are being abused again by not being able to hold their perpetrators to account in civil actions.. What we see here, though, is forgetting about our Constitution. Newmans duties with Kanakuk included recruiting, supervising and mentoring children. 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