(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following statement regarding allegations of sexual abuse by a former Boy Scout leader in Chillicothe:
“The allegations – and apparent confession – of sexual abuse surrounding a former Boy Scout leader in Chillicothe deserve swift, severe punishment.
Because of the statute of limitations, that may not happen under current law. That is precisely why I, along with several former attorneys general, have called for the statute of limitations for rape to be eliminated. Victims deserve the chance to face their abusers in the court of law.
If you are a victim of this case, or know someone who is, please call the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-BCI-OHIO or you may file a tip anonymously online.”
Earlier this week allegations of sexual abuse from former CEO Bill Mckell surfaced from Chillicothe Police department. Mckell CEO of Horizon was terminated just days before this news hit.
“Last week we terminated the employment of former Chief Executive Officer Bill McKell and offered our cooperation to the authorities in their ongoing investigation. Horizon takes these matters very seriously and took swift actions to address them. We encourage anyone who believes they have information related to this matter to contact the Chillicothe Police Department. We remain focused on supporting our employees and taking great care of our customers.”
Yesterday on Mckell personal facebook page was a post admitting to the accusations, in the post it said
“My name is Bill McKell and I am a child molester.”
In this confession says that during his late teens, twenties and early thirties he had inappropriate contact with a number of young men. The former CEO said that he will work with police on any legitimate charges.
Since then a statement has come out from Boy scouts of America that says that Mckell was flagged for inappropriate behavior and was not allowed to serve with the Boy Scouts anymore.
“This individual was added to our Volunteer Screening Database over 25 years ago following allegations of inappropriate behavior,” said a public relations representative for the National BSA in an email. “This bars him from participation in any Scouting activities, regardless of where they occur.”
In the statement it talked about accountability
“Accountability will be easier now that everyone around me is aware of my disease. It is the ‘everyone around me’ that I must apologize to next,” it went on to say. “To my former coworkers and those who have defended me through the rumors and accusations because they could not reconcile the man they know with the man described, I thank you and I’m sorry. Please forgive me for letting you down. I am working hard to remain only the man you know. This admission finally gives me the freedom to get the professional help I need to assure that.”
Sometime on Sunday the post was taken down by the user, we have reached out to both Mckell and his lawyer for a reason for the statement.
