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This is a developing story.

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DALLAS, Texas - The national director of programs for the Boy Scouts of America has been charged with receiving and distributing child pornography, NBC News has learned.

 

Douglas S. Smith Jr., was charged with having pornographic photos that show "minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct."

 

Sources in U.S. Attorney's told NBC that the images were of young boys and that the investigation started in Germany.

 

The Boy Scouts of America has yet to comment.

 

Smith, 61, would not comment when reached by phone at his home.

 

He was expected to appear in federal court Wednesday morning. If tried and found guilty, he faces prison time ranging from five to 20 years.

 

A resident of Colleyville, Texas, Smith is still active in troop activity and is himself an Eagle Scout.

 

 

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I whole heartily agree with Bobs post. This is a very sad day for the entire BSA movement. Hopefully it will be dealt with swiftly and fairly and allow the BSA to move forward in with an even stronger protection committment for youth, and better screening of adults starting with the National office.(This message has been edited by BadenP)

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It looks like the Scouts have already dealt with him, to the extent possible.

 

"The statement said Smith was placed on paid administrative leave immediately after the organization learned that he was being investigated for a crime, and that Smith decided to retire shortly thereafter."

 

BadenP, what type of screening do you think would have caught this? It is a very sad situation for all involved, but people who are sexually attracted to children learn to hide this pretty well.

 

Oak Tree

 

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I also grieve for the children involved. But as a relatively new Scouter, this also angers me greatly. I've been defending the BSA against this sort of thing to those who make snide remarks about scouting. Not only that, our family has been selling (and buying) lots of popcorn, and I worked the Friends of Scouting campaign this year. We have NOT been devoting our time and money to fundraising just so the BSA can give those $$$ to some lawyers!

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To correct the first posting - the proper quote is:

 

"According to Greg Fields, a Boy Scout of America spokesperson based in Irving, Texas, Smith is NO LONGER involved in troop activity."

 

The BSA also stated:

 

"We are dismayed and shocked to learn of the charge," it said. "Smith was employed by the organization for 39 years, with no indication of prior criminal activity. He was not in a leadership position which involved working directly with youth."

 

Background checks are not infalible. If someone has managed to avoid any kind of trouble there is no way to catch him with a background check.

 

Just another sad reminder that there are all kinds of crazies in this world & many of them are people no one would ever suspect.

 

 

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The BSA has not been charged with anything, there have been no accusations that they knew of his activity. The thought that the BSa will need to defend itself for some reason is pure speculation. My question for jay remains, what lawyers?

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This has EVERYTHING to do with the BSA and Scouting. When this kind of thing happens, we are all dragged through the mud. I'm glad I'm leaving on vacation, so I don't have to face my co-workers tomorrow.

 

Sigh...

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