KANAKUK KAMPS COUNSELOR CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST CHILDREN

PETER NEWMAN SEXUAL ABUSE - LAWYERS INVESTIGATE KANAKUK CAMP ALLEGATIONS

Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris law firm is investigating allegations that a former camp director of Kanakuk K-Kountry Kamp in Missouri sexually abused pre-teen and teenage boys he met at the camp. According to the Kanakuk Kamps Web site, the K-Kountry Kamp is one of seven Kanakuk youth camps operated by Kanakuk Kamps. The Web site describes the camp as a non-denominational, Christian-based summer camp organization. Criminal charges have been filed in the Kanakuk Kamps case and civil lawsuits could be filed in Missouri and possibly other states as well.

Peter Newman, a former camp director of Kanakuk Kamps, was arrested in Branson, Missouri, and charged with four felony counts of sexual misconduct against children under the age of 16. The criminal warrant application, filed by the Taney County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department on September 14, 2009, describes multiple acts of sexual abuse by Newman upon boys whom he met working as a director of Kanakuk K-Kountry Kamp. In addition to camp duties, Newman reportedly traveled across the U.S., appearing not only at camp related functions, but in churches and other venues where he was often a featured speaker on topics including teen sexuality.

The alleged acts occurred between 1999, the year Newman was brought on full-time to the camp organization, until 2008. The warrant application details the encounters with nine different male victims, but alludes to the existence of many others. The Sheriff’s office has not ruled out additional warrants against Newman. Newman and the Kanakuk camps could also face sexual abuse lawsuits in state courts in Missouri or other states.

Court documents reveal Newman was quietly terminated from Kanakuk Kamps in March 2009. An e-mail on March 18, 2009, from Joe White, owner of the camp, to campers’ parents said only: “Pete Newman is no longer with Kanakuk Kamps. He is dealing with a personal family crisis. He has asked that you respect his privacy and not contact him or his family, but that you keep him in your prayers.”

According to court documents, on June 8, 2009, Joe White received a signed letter from Newman, confessing to multiple acts of sexual misconduct with former campers and offering an apology. Shortly before the September warrant was issued, Joe White made a statement that it had been known since March 2009 that Newman allegedly “engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with adolescent boys, including some who had been Kanakuk Kampers.” There are allegations that the camp organization has known about Newman’s improper conduct for many years and failed to acknowledge it. Sexual abuse lawyers at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris are accepting cases involving accusations of inappropriate conduct or possible sexual abuse at Kanakuk camps. All inquiries will be handled in a discreet and confidential manner.

If you or your child were victimized by Pete Newman, we want to help. When you contact us, you will immediately be able to speak with one of our experienced lawyers, and your conversation will be confidential. We have experience in these cases dealing with very emotional and private situations. We can help you. For a discreet and confidential consultation please contact Ernest Cory or Tara Henderson at Kanakukcase@cwcd.com or call toll-free (800) 852-6299.

Sources: Warrant Application for Peter D. Newman, Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri, filed 9/14/09. The Warrant Application is inappropriate for posting, but upon your request, we will provide a copy.

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