A Boy Scout leader has been arrested near Cape May, New Jersey, for giving a young boy a little more than just a merit badge.
Frank “Sandy” Thompson, 68, was arrested for aggravated sexual contact, luring/enticing a child and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
At the time of his arrest, Thompson was serving as an Assistant Scout Master for one of the troops in West Cape May, New Jersey.
According to local authorities, Thompson had been “grooming” an 11-year-old boy, in exchange for sexual contact. “Grooming” is a standard pedophile maneuver that involves impressing the young boy with lavish and expensive gifts, in order to win their affection and buy their silence.
The same officials say that Thompson has also been accused of having molested another young boy several years ago.
The controversy swirling around Thompson in New Jersey comes just days at the Boy Scouts of America lifted their century-long ban on gay scout leaders. The Boy Scouts previously okayed gay scouts–but not scout leaders–two years ago.
The new policy, which was announced on Monday, is being hailed as a great step forward by liberals, as well as many gay Boy Scouts and scout leaders. The policy won’t affect every troop–troops sponsored by churches, for example, won’t be forced to accept gay scout leaders if their religion prohibits it.
Thompson is currently being held in the Cape May County Correctional Center, with a bail set at $175,000.
