Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper announced Wednesday the first criminal charges in an ongoing investigation into the Boy Scouts of America.
Mark Chapman, 51, of New York, was charged in a Macomb County court with eight counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges stem from alleged abuse against two victims. According to the attorney general’s office, Chapman was involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the BSA.
Six of the second-degree CSC charges are related to alleged abuse that began in 2000 around the time the victim was 13 or 14 and continued until he was 17 years old and a senior in high school. The attorney general’s office says the abuse occurred at the victim’s father’s house, at Chapman’s house and at the local church.
Both of the first-degree CSC and two remaining counts of second-degree CSC are related to the second case where a family member alleged abuse by Chapman started when the victim was around 11 years old. The alleged abuse is said to have gone on for years and often revolved around times that were designated as special opportunities for Chapman to spend time with the boy.
According to the attorney general’s office, the statute of limitations for first-degree CSC has changed over the years from a six-year limit to no limit. However, in any case, when a suspect leaves the State of Michigan and no longer resides here, the statute of limitations stops. In this case, the statute stopped running when Chapman left Michigan to live in New York 2007.
“It remains imperative that sexual predators be held accountable, and one of my top priorities remains securing justice for survivors of abuse,” Nessel said. “We appreciate our partnership with MSP to reach this point in this important investigation into the Boy Scouts of America. These charges are only the beginning.”
“We’re pleased to partner with the Attorney General’s office on this important investigation,” added MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper. “We continue to stand ready to listen to survivors and investigate any allegations that are made.”
This joint investigation between Michigan Department of Attorney General and MSP was announced in June 2021. The Michigan Department of Attorney General says it is examining a total of 5,000 claims sent from BSA national for review. Currently, a completed review of 550 claims resulted in roughly 60 inquiries sent to MSP for further investigation. The claim review process remains ongoing.
If you have any information about the BSA that could help with the investigation, please call the investigation tip line at 844-324-3374 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tips can be left anonymously.
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