Mass. Boy Scouts leader charged with possessing child pornography, enticing children

(NECN: Alysha Palumbo, Whitinsville, Mass.) - A Massachusetts teacher and boy scout leader is facing some disturbing charges.

Andrew Myers was in court Tuesday, accused of possessing child pornography and of enticing children into illegal sexual activity.

Andrew J. Myers, 34, was in federal court Tuesday. In Whitinsville, Mass., he is an attorney in the Baker building, a substitute teacher in the local school district and a Boy Scout leader.

Members of the community were shocked by the allegations.

The 34-year-old scout master of a local Boy Scout Troop is facing serious child pornography charges after federal authorities say he was caught exploiting a 12-year-old Colorado boy online.

He ran for state representative in 2004.

He lives in a modest home with his parents, and his neighbors call the allegations shocking.

It’s alleged that Myers used both Skype and email to communicate with three males, believed to be minors. The affidavit alleges that in the emails Myers offered to perform sex acts on the boys and received emails containing photos of the boys genitals.

He is a former member of the Northbridge School Committee.

People who do business there say if the allegations are true, they are glad Myers has been caught.

The Boy Scots of America released the following statement:
“Along with the rest of the community, we were shocked to learn about the child pornography allegations against Andrew J. Myers. The behavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Although these allegations do not appear to have anything to do with Scouting, upon learning of these allegations we immediately revoked this individual’s membership and removed him from Scouting.

The BSA seeks to prevent child abuse through a comprehensive program of education, chartered organization leader selection procedures, criminal background and other checks, barriers to abuse and prompt mandatory reporting. As this is an ongoing investigation, please contact the local authorities for more information.”

 Click here to see the release from the Department of Justice.