Newman was arrested this morning when he and his attorney Tom Carver appeared in a Taney County courtroom on a motions hearing. Newman was arrested for sexual assault out of La Platta County, Colorado.
At this time court records in Colorado have been sealed and Newman is being held without bond pending extradition to Colorado.
The Taney County hearing has been rescheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 4.
188 comments:
Wonder if his family is now going to advise him to confess, be contrite and go take his consequences. If they continue to support his "pleading not guilty" each and every time, they have a long haul ahead. Colorado and Missouri are not the only states. It would be better for him to confess and go into the system, before every single state comes forth and they are humiliated all the more. Newmans, Galloways: If you want him to get right with God, repenting and being truthful is not optional. You can't say, "Repent to God, but lie to the authorities." That's not true contrition. And you all know that.
Pete: Good riddance. You are FINALLY where you need to be. Have fun. Hope you get some of your own medicine. You deserve way worse.
Thank the Lord he is FINALLY behind bars where he should have been all along.
how could you possibly think his family supports his 'not guilty' plea, are you his family? do you even know his family?
They come to court with him and sit there over and over when he pleads not guilty. Now, do you think that's NOT supporting him? Additionally, they have bailed him out of jail and signed his bonds. Sounds supportive to me.
well, i guess that's where your ignorance comes in, 'sounds supportive' isn't a very factual statement
Well then, describe how coming with, bailing out, signing bonds, IS NOT SUPPORTING him. Do that. Because obviously you do know him, or them. Careful, because no one really knows Pete.
When I don't support something or someone, I distance myself from them. I don't pour my time and resources into them. I don't risk my name, reputation, etc. for them. I CERTAINLY DON'T ENABLE THEM!!!!!! Wake up from your denial!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Pete Newman employeed? How does he financially support his family? The answer would tell you who supports who.
This isn't rocket science, people.
you are sad
Anyone supporting Pete is sad. You can love without supporting.
glad to know your not into 'life-risking' thats pretty brave of you.
and how do you suggest to show that 'love'?
Does anybody out there know if he'll get extradited to CO before the MO cases are wrapped up? How does that work? What about when the other states press their charges? In the past, how has this been handled.
Will they finish the MO cases, then move on to CO, then when that's finished, move on to each state where there are crimes until they're done? What if he's sentenced in MO to life or close to it? Will they keep going?
If your support heaps more pain on these already-victimized families, then it should stop. If they love him, he probably already knows that, without them further wounding.
@3:50: Generally the state that conducts the initial investigation will get first crack at him, then its 1st come 1st served. That's likely why this Colorado jurisdiction went ahead and arrested him - to "stake their claim" when he is done in MO (through being found guilty, a plea bargain, being found not guilty, etc, and then serving whatever sentence he receives). So that AR, TN, GA, TX or whatever states you hear have investigations going don't get him first. The extradition in this case will likely be only a couple of days in Colorado to be formally booked, arraigned, and then released back to the care of the MO authorities (presumably back out on bail). MO/CO law may be different, or the states may have worked out a deal that would allow CO to keep Pete in jail without bond which would serve the purpose of revoking what many think is an undue bond while avoiding the issues of revoking the bond of someone who did not violate his terms. The above is just my semi-educated guess.
heaping more pain is the last thing needed in this situation. that is something we definately agree on. questioning the integrity of the family is painful too.
Unfortunately, what Pete Newman has done will cause many people to "question the integrity" of not only Pete's family, but the integrity of everyone. He violated the trust of children, their families and everyone who knew him while he was performing these heinous acts against his chosen victims. To not understand this is to be naive and unsympathetic towards his victims, their families and every family who trustingly sent their children to Kanakuk Kamps. His family is supporting him. No doubt about it.
In 2001, as a staff member at K-Kountry, I remember a male staff meeting in May during staff training week when Pete and Will (who was the director then) mentioned that we always needed to be careful that we don't do anything that even appears bad. They then mentioned that a parent had brought an allegation against Pete to the effect that Pete had abused their son. I remember Pete talking about how the "ridiculous" allegations were the "worst thing that had ever happened" to him.
I can't believe I didn't ask more about that incident. I worked for this guy...he personally hired me...I received counsel from this guy...I looked up to him. Hearing in 2001 that he had been accused of stuff made me raise my eyebrows and wonder why he would even put himself in a position to be accused, but I foolishly overlooked it.
I'm so concerned about some of my kampers who were close to Pete because they lived in Branson and I remember they had regular contact with him.
I just found out about this last night and have wanted to throw up all day.
Does anyone know anything more about the allegations before 2001? I really wished I had asked more about it then. And I agree with the mom who said she sensed something kinda weird and slightly effeminate in Pete...I did too. While I was always in awe of Pete, I was also always distanced from him...like it was impossible to really connect with him like it was possible to connect with Will. Pete almost seemed too placed on a pedastool and I think he wanted it like that. Was he abused as a kid or something (not that I think that excuses his behavior in the least!).
Finally, why aren't these comments dated (there's only a time of day, not a date)
Sure looks like 'Anonymous' has been busy. Probably your tax dollars at work from the prosecutor's office.
Unless you are willing to place your name out in front, I don't see why accusations should be believed.
Frankly, I look forward to the day when everyone who is making accusations and essentially demanding that 'sinners confess' without getting a fair trial are themselves judged as they did judge others.
Civilization itself demands that all the accused receive justice, and justice demands that the accused have a right to a fair trial. Otherwise, all you have are a bunch of false accusers having people judicially murdered with nothing -- nothing -- to restrain the cycle of accusation and conviction.
I pray that everyone who makes a false accusation -- like the little boy who cried wolf -- has happen to them that which they accused others, without proof or accountability.
And, since it is obvious that I live among degenerates, I think that I myself had better remain 'anonymous.'
Where is he in jail?
What will get him out?
to ass of clowns offensive..you are a disgust. you obviously do not have the heart invested in this like some of us that have been totally victimized....i have no words to express the pit you must come from and dwell in. he confessed and its true. your words are worth nothing talking about justice. nothing.
Ass Clown Offensive:
You have GOT to be kidding me. You're such a hypocrite! You didn't even post your own name! He is guilty, guilty, guilty I went to Auburn with Pete and knew him VERY WELL through Campus Crusade and the 3 summers I worked at Kanakuk and the rumors about him and kids have been floating around for 10+ years! His own fraternity had to ask him to stop bringing young boys in the house because everyone was so creeped out by it and they were concerned about their own propriety. Pete put himself on such a pedestal that he was untouchable and if anyone made a mention of him doing anything inappropriate he would flip out. This is NO SURPRISE to any of us who know him. Frankly, we're all just glad that it's finally coming to an end. He got what he deserved today and I hope the rest of the states pile on.
8:50--Can you say any more about his behavior back in his college days. What do you mean he brought young boys to the frat house? From where did he find these kids?
We've heard from past "girlfriends" and college friends that everyone thought he was gay. That people thought he had the propensity to be a child molester back then. How is it that so many people suspected his creepiness back then, but he was able to fool so many people once he joined the Kanakuk staff????????
His 3 brothers all seem so normal, including his twin brother. He has the most wonderful family and WONDERFUL parents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are there any old "girlfriends" out there who can shed any light on this psychopath????
It's so hard to wrap my mind around this still.
Were any of these suspicions never discussed with the kamp leadership??
4:37, how is it that you just found out about this last night? what planet do you live on? dont mean to be rude, but really how did you miss all this for the past few months?
10:11 :
I'm the guy who posted at 4:37 (actually I posted that a week ago on another thread and someone has been copying it over on to other threads). I just don't have any contact with kanakuk people very much; strangely enough I found out bc I went on the kanakuk website to check things out bc I was about to recommend that someone I know send there kids there. When I saw Pete wasn't the director I was really suprised but figured he had started some other ministry, so I googles his name and couldn't believe it till I saw in the police report he admitted to doing some things.
As if you really care about that...
I'm just worried sick for some of the kampers I had who knew Pete well...I mean I want to dig up their addresses or facebook them or something, but atthe same time it's like I don't want to creep them out any more than they already are! Kanakuk is such an amazing place; I know it's gonna be crazy with how secure they're gonna be now, but I'm afraid this will be really hard for parents to feel safe enough. The one thing I would point out to all concerned parents is this: everything that happened with Pete preying on these kids happened after camp (at least I'm pretty sure hats true, am I wrong?) The structure of Kamp really makes it almost impossible for your kids to ever be alone with anyone - camper or counselor.
It's me, The Ass-Clown Offensive here again:
You idiots don't seem to get it. You evil fools are helping to destroy the social order by blaming the accused for his family sticking by him. Well, since among your sins of hypocrisy, self-righteousness and stupidity, what should be numbered among them is disloyalty as the telling sign that if one of your own was accused of a horrendous crime you would of course be numbered with those who would sell him out. So on a scale of animal family loyalty you should rank yourself lower than hyenas and slightly higher than . . . . wildebeests??? No, not wildebeests. Wildebeests don't do much of anything when one of their own is killed and eaten by lions and hyenas, but at least they don't actively send their own out to be eaten by the lions, or try to tell the prey's mother and female companion and children that they ought to give him up to the hyenas.
You got to love it when you 'Christians' show how very despicable, lawless and corrupt you are and how there is no such thing as a fair trial possible.
Osama, you and the ragheads won. The 'Christians' will destroy themselves without you having to fire a shot. They created a police state where all it is necessary is to make an accusation and they will then convict and sentence and execute somebody behind their backs. But good luck in getting a surrender, as none of them have any capacity for organized anything.
Oh, and Assley Marie . . . . You didn't leave YOUR name. You should, because YOU are the one making the accusation. I am merely the only one, like Lot in downtown Sodom, who wants the stranger to be treated decently. Since I'm outnumbered by cowardly anonymous moral degenerates by at least twenty to one, I think it is best for me to remain 'anonymous.'
Ass Clown offensive is a complete Ass Clown
Mr. Clown,
I understand your points and where you're coming from. Of course any family is going to stick by their child through thick and thin. However, a familys/parents job is to counsel their children to do what's right. Pete has already confessed to molesting kampers, so it's hard for a lot of people to understand why Pete keeps pleading Not Guilty...which in turn draggs the affected families through more crap when they would really just like this to be overwith. If you had a child who camped under Pete, I think this would be a passionate subject for you too. People just want the Newman's to counsel their son to do the right thing...
To "guy who posted at 4:37" Just so you know, when you wrote that Pete was never alone with any of them at Kamp. My son was (is) a victim of Pete's and he attempted to molest him while my son was under his care and protection on a missionary trip to CHINA.
How do you think we as parents feel about trusting the KUK institution so much that we would send our young son (14 at the time) half was across the world, into a communist country under the "protection" of Pete Newman? Both my sons have been attending Kanakuk for over 12 years BTW.
To 5:33 AM. We do know that Pete has admitted guilt to "something" but it may not be to the full extent to which he is being charged. Hopefully this is why he continues to plead not guilty. As a very very crude example, being charged with Grand Theft over stealing a pack of gum. (I am not comparing any kind of sexual crime to theft by the way)
Ass clown is right in that the legal process needs to be preserved even in this case where there is an admission of guilt.
6:05 Anonymous - I am sorry for your child and the attempt made by Pete while in China. Just out of curiousity - if you are willing to share....did you notify Kanakuk of his attempt at the time it happened? Just trying to get my arms around whether there has been a huge cover up by management for a long time. If so....then I see Joe White etal....hugely responsible.....my kids will not be going back to Kamp this year - even though I think it is the best camp out there....I have too many unanswered questions about management's lack of responsibility in this matter. Thanks for sharing if willing..
5:33am because 'pleas' are made does not mean the newmans aren't counseling him to 'do the right thing' just be careful of all who are drawing conclusions without consulting sources directly. one can only speak for themselves, not necessarily for what has been counseled.
As the mother of one of the victim's of Pete Newman, I feel compelled to say this...I have no problem with Pete's family (and even his wife Katie's family) supporting him and loving him and advising him through this process. He is their son. They are good people and God only knows the pain they feel. They are supporting Pete, in the way I am supporting my son. It is in your blood and soul to protect and love your child, no matter what. I don't judge them for ONE SINGLE MINUTE. In reality, they most likely know that Pete will end up in prison and are taking advice from a lawyer and letting the legal process play out. Jeff Merrill and the Taney county prosecutors office are doing a good job and Pete's lawyer is doing his job. We must be patient. I have learned this is a slow process, but don't count out that Pete will plead guilty in the near future. He knows the facts and he knows how much there is against him...Finally, I just want to say again, my son IS A VICTIM. My husband and I are supporting our son, Joe White is supporting our son and I honestly am glad that Pete has a family to support him. He will need that in the days and years to come.
When I first learned of this, through Joe White's emaail, I was shocked and heart-broken. For weeks I thought that Pete must have fallen victim to spiritual warfare. As such a leader, he must have been under tremendous attack.
Unfortunately, the more I've read over the ensuing months, the more I'm believing that Pete is a true pedophile.
My two boys had strong relationships with Pete. They both saw Pete outside of Kamp and Father/Son Weekends, including at sleepovers in our home town. Thankfully, they both report no inappropriate contact.
My heart goes out to the vicitm parents who have posted here already. Your balance and mature attitude is humbling.
Last month, the father of one of my son's friends (and who is also a neighbor) tried to solicit/molest my then 17-yr old son. It was shocking and is an ongoing concern in our home.
Even as non-Pete-victims, our world was shaken by him, and further shaken by the neighbor incident. What a fallen world we live in. It makes my heart ache.
I pray for the vicitms, their parents, Pete and Katie, their families, the legal system, and Kanakuk.
ashley marie. if this is 'no suprise' to you who say you 'really knew' him...it seems that even for you hindesight is 20/20, if you are so 'unsuprised' by this that helps none of us in pain who 'knew nothing'. thanks for being a 'know it all' and protecting no one.
Pete was heavily involved with the youth group program at Auburn United Methodist Church. He had a "heart" for the kids there, especially the boys. He almost always had a group of boys with him wherever he went. He'd bring them to dinner at the Fiji house or to play basketball there. He might have even had a sleepover or two, though I can't say for sure. It was one of those situations where everyone thought, "Gosh, he sure does spend a lot of time with these kids," but there was nothing outright that anyone could put their finger on that he was doing that was criminal. He was a youth group leader, therefore, he was supposed to be spending time with these kids, right? Parents would literally fall all over themselves to get their kids to spend time with Pete. He was such a jock that kids idolizes him. He also had a very immature sense of humor (immature by college standards) but the kids ate it up. Aside from being Kanakuk's version of God on Earth, he was also in a leadership position with Campus Crusade and his twin brother was a BMOC, so he was most definitely on a pedestal. He gave me the creeps and the kid thing I thought was just odd, but there wasn't anything back then that you could outright accuse him of doing that was innappropriate. I remember thinking that the Kanakuk parents who forced their kids on Pete were strange because there's no way I'd want my kids to act like him. He was always like a 12 year old trapped in a 20-something body. He socialized with kids because he didn't know how to get along with people his own age. But then he was incredibly defensive about his "heart for God/kids" image. It was all just weird, but there was never anything any of us could point to as a solid accusation.
And yes, hindsight is always 20/20. I was never in a position where I witnessed anything untoward, therefore, what was I to do? My point is that Pete did not deceive everyone. He was not some super-guy. He was VERY calculating, even 12 years ago.
Does anyone know if Kanakuk is doing/saying anything? Where are they in all of this?
I can respond to what Kanakuk is doing from my own personal experience.
1. They notified families last Spring that Pete was leaving employment at Kanakuk due to family/personal reasons and didn't want to be contacted.
2. On the day Pete was formally charged last September they emailed camp families that this had happened.
3. A K-2 staffer called me at home last Fall to ask me how my family was doing and if I had any questions for him since our kids had attended the camp where Pete worked.
4. We were recently invited to a info session/"family meeting" occurring in tandem with the camp's annual trip to our city recruiting future campers. At this info session they were going to field questions about the situation with Pete, I guess, although the email didn't mention specifically what the touchy subject was to be discussed.
5. We have received email notification in great detail about how they are tightening controls of how staff interact with kids so as to prevent inappropriate situations and reassure parents.
For me these few contacts are woefully inadequate. More than anything else I have wanted answers to questions about exactly what he is accused of that happened AT CAMP. And yes, I've read both official investigative reports.
My biggest area of disillusionment with Kanakuk is that they covered up the reason they fired him in the Spring and thousands of families were denied the opportunity to decide whether or not to send their kids to a camp which had been run by an accused pedophile for years. (There may very well be counselors who were prior victims of Pete.)
11:05 - I can totally understand your disillusionment and fear. I can't imagine how violated your family must be feeling. My questions for Kanakuk center around the timeline of when they were first alerted about Pete's inappropriate actions. There are rumors that they were alerted as early as 2001, in which case, I would think that they stand to bear some culpability in not being more proactive in keeping him away from children/turning him over to the proper authorities.
Ashley Marie's description of Pete in her 9:54 post is dead on. I was at Auburn at the same time and everything she says is factually correct. Her description of Pete's perception among people who knew him is exactly right. Well done.
Sounds like people who hire STAFF/DIRECTORS at Kanakuk need to amp up the screening process and reference-checking on their people. More due-diligence might have prevented him from being hired. Listening to parents might have gotten him fired.
Assuming that his family is not urging him to take full responsibility is a bit reckless. Perhaps it is reasonable to assume someone is helping him stay out on the street. And it is reasonable to assume they may be a family member. But you might address your comments to whomever is helping him, and not trash his whole family.
Actually 7:07, Kanakuk's hiring practices are way more strict than any other camp and were even back when Newman was hired. He had no record and nothing in his background that would have alarmed anyone or suggested there was a problem in the hiring process. In fact, he had many incredible references and was a youth leader. Again, hind sight! The other thing to remember is that in Missouri, camps are not required to do background checks but Kanakuk did anyway. It's an 84 year old camp and this had not happened before. So, again, you obviously are not familiar with this case.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
John 8:7
Andrew...you need to read more than just one verse concerning this situation. Pete's sin is heinous and there is discipline that needs to take place both within the church body and through the judicial system. We must continue to behave personally as God's Word guides us...but don't be glib or short-sighted in your comments. All sin separates us from God, but not all sin carries the same consequences in our personal spiritual lives and as it relates to those who have been hurt so greatly.
Pete's family is a group of great people. They mean to do NOTHING BUT GOOD.
But they love Pete and want to help him.
They just can't see how that hurts the victims more.
That's all.
Pete is still in jail. The article you're referring to was from the fall and refers to one of his previous arrests. His rap sheet is getting so long now, that it's becoming confusing, but YES, he's behind bars with all his other raping-molesting-abusing-perverted-buddies...He's probably enjoying himself, if the truth be known.
Does anyone know where his wife stands in all of this? Is she still with him? Surely there marriage was not "normal"???? Can anyone shed some light on that whole situation?
*their marriage....oops
Having known both Katie and Pete while down at Auburn - I am concerned for Katie and their daughter. Pete made the choices he did and he will be held responsible for them. I would like to check and make sure that Katie and their daughter are okay. How are they? What are they doing now? Anyone know anything about them?
11:05--Their marriage was NOT normal. He had boys over to their house almost nightly. He always spent his time running around with little boys...10-13 years old. JOE WHITE offered all his camp directors & their wives free nights at Big Cedar Lodge a couple times a year for a few nights of get-away time (time where couples could focus on their marriage) and PETE NEVER took Katie and spent time with her there. He always said he had "ministry" to do with his little kids. But from reading the November charges, sounds like he sure took at least one little kid there. All the Kanakuk directors just thought he was a ministry-maniac. Katie was never his priority. His co-directors, Joe, and everyone thought that he neglected his marriage. Katie must have felt neglected. Where was the wisdom? Where was the discernment? Where was the accountability? Where were the tough questions? There is so much talk going on now from other staff members about how odd it all was. Why didn't they speak up before now?
The whole thing is so sickening.
After this, WHY would his wife stay married to him?
Sorry I'm late in responding to some of you....I am the parent whose son was a "Pete victim" while on a Kanakuk Missionary trip to China. Some have asked if/why I didn't report the incident as soon as my son told me about it. Here's the deal, when my son returned from the trip, all he said was "I don't like Pete anymore." We asked him why and he just said that he didn't agree with a lot of things Pete was saying to him. So we left it at that. He wasn't going to be around Pete anymore anyways (he was by then too old to return to K-Kountry) and had moved on to K2 Kamps.
When we received the first email from Joe back in the Spring saying that Pete was leaving due to a "personal crisis" or whatever it said, I again asked my son if he had heard anything about it and he just responded, "He probably cheated on his wife or something" (boy, did he ever!)
Then when the email came about his arrest (what was that, like 5 months later or so?) I IMMEDIATELY contacted the Kamp and sought out advice on the appropriate questions to ask our son in case he had been a victim. Sure enough, he told us everything. Apparently, included in Pete's "mastering the art of deception" was his masterful ability to warn his victims to keep their mouths shut up about anything that happened while they were with him...
Our case will perhaps be different from most of the others because the incident took place overseas, in a communist country, no less. My son didn't have another adult (other than Pete's wife!) to turn to and really no way to directly contact us after it happened. It grieves me to further consider how frightening it must have been for him ON TOP OF EVERYTHING Pete did and/or attempted to do.
Yes, what Pete did do was a crime to my son.
Thank God it didn't go as far or as frequent as some of the other cases, BUT IT COULD HAVE.....
Can you tell me what some of those questions were that you asked that drew the truth about Pete out of your son? I have this strange feeling that our 15 year old son is holding back information as well about Pete, and am feeling helpless. He has been deeply affected by this news - almost too deeply for someone, according to himself right now, who was not directly vicitimized. Pete spent a weekend here at our home in 2008 (we live out of MO, and was with both of our sons alone for short period of times - no more that 30 minutes or so - as I recall.) I have been having this sick feeling this week, and then reading your post made me realize that perhaps we questioned him incorrectly.
Thanks for you help.
Regarding 12:39 post regarding questioning your child about possible sexual abuse: Contact your nearest Children's Advocacy Center for help. At CACs nationwide there are counselors specifically trained to assist child and youth victims of sexual abuse. I would also encourage you to contact Joe White at Kanakuk, any of the senior staff, or any of the camp directors. They are prepared to help you in any way. For the sake of your child's healing, it is very important to get to the truth, but you do not have to do this alone.
9:54--You said that Pete didn't know how to get along with people his own age. That has me curious. Can you elaborate about that? Because looking back (again, 20/20 now), it was more than obvious that other staff leadership at K-Country and other Kanakuk camps didn't quite see him as the "rockstar" that everyone else did. NONE of them seemed to be big fans. In fact, Pete was NEVER a fan of any other staff leadership. He didn't outright bash them, but he communicated his dislike in very subtle ways....ways that just now seem to make sense. Of course, that was all a part of his masterful manipulation as well.
Let's all be honest. Many of us were fooled. But down deep, the people who worked with him everyday knew something was "off." They probably won't admit it, but they did. A few of them have already admitted that to close friends.
Then, there's all the Auburn crowd who thought he was gay.
Then, there was his lack of interest in dating.
Then, so many more signs....now looking back.
What FOOLS he made of us all!
What a wretched, blasphemous creep.
As far as Pete not getting along with people his own age, he had a way about him that came across as insincere. He shoved the "heart for God" thing down people's throats to the point where people would just avoid him. You know how college kids are... they just don't want to talk about God's sovereignty ALL THE TIME. Pete had a way of pontificating that was annoying and off-putting.
His sense of humor was also incredibly immature - he was like a squirmy kid hopping up and down all the time, laughing at potty jokes, stuff that kids do. He was a big fan of contests: who can do more push-ups, race you to the mailbox and back, etc. Immature competitiveness. There was definitely a level of authenticity lacking with him.
To my knowledge, he didn't date anyone seriously while in college. He was ALWAYS at the various sorority formals because he was one of those guaranteed fun dates who was always dancing like a crazy man and the life of the party. But he seemed to keep girls at arm's length - no frontal hugs, no spending time alone with girls so as not to give anyone the wrong idea, etc. LOTS of legalism with Pete.
I don't ever remember thinking, "I bet that guy's gay," but I definitely remember thinking, "that guy is hiding something and he is NOT the super-Christian he wants everyone to think he is." Sort of a case of Pete doth protest too much.
As for he and Katie, I don't remember them being any more than good friends in college. When I heard they had gotten married, I thought, "I guess that makes sense." Katie is a very dear, sweet person with an incredibly gentle spirit. She is as patient and long-suffering as the day is long - the PERFECT front of a wife for Pete. It doesn't shock me at all that the situation with them turned out the way it did. I feel terrible for her and just pray that her family is able to get her the help that she needs to move on from this.
This is SO random, but didn't I hear that Pete had a "fireman's pole" in his house where you could slide down to the bottom floor??? The reason I ask is that I was reading about pedophiles and they often have child-like things in their house that draw kids' attention....I remember his jeep having one of those crazy horns and loud megaphone-type speakers that kids love....He really was quite "immature", though we all thought it was just his "wonderful way with kids." Gross.
Any of you Branson-folk know if he sold his house? Who would want to live there now?!?! Yuck. Also, what price-range would it have been? Just curious about his $ situation and paying for all this defense, etc.
8:10--What you say is true. BUT, it's apparent that if Pete's past had been looked into a little deeper, they might have discovered some of the things Ashley-Marie is saying. You can never be too careful when placing someone in such a position.
On top of that, when the parents told camp back in 2001-2003 of all the naked games, and such....perhaps it would have been a bit more wise to really look deeper into WHO THIS PETE REALLY WAS. Instead, they gave him some lame evaluation, made him sign some lame aggreement to be appropriate around "kids of the opposite sex", had some "authority-figure" give him a stern warning, and put him right back to work.....with no accountability. While they knew all that, they continued to let him leave campus with kids in the camp vans, his personal vehicle, etc. They knew he would be alone with kids. They knew him to be the great "relationship builder" (of course he was...look why he needed those relationships) that he was.....They knew he traveled with kids. They knew all this and yet, they didn't watch him closer. His co-directors seem to be the most naive of all.
The warning signs should have been there to all the people who were privy to this information....This is Psych 101...........
Maybe the people who were above Pete need to actually be evaluated for their denial, or lack of discernment. Assuming it was that, and NOT "looking the other way" because he was the Pied-Piper bringing in 100s of kids to the camp.
Questions THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOVED THAT PLACE SO MUCH!
Is it true that he is out on bail AGAIN?!?!?! If so, Branson had better keep their kids off the streets. OR Lebanon, Ohio. OR Fayetteville, AR. Or Dallas, TX. OR Griffin, GA. OR Memphis, TN. or wherever he goes.
I heard that too. But his CO bail was the total $250,000.00 so if he's out, then he's got more help than we thought.
Pete is in the Taney County Jail...no bond!!!!!
Til when?
He's probably sitting there watching his Brett Favre as we speak....along with all the other scumbags.
When does Pete get out?
To the Anonymous poster of this statement:
"For me these few contacts are woefully inadequate. More than anything else I have wanted answers to questions about exactly what he is accused of that happened AT CAMP. And yes, I've read both official investigative reports.
My biggest area of disillusionment with Kanakuk is that they covered up the reason they fired him in the Spring and thousands of families were denied the opportunity to decide whether or not to send their kids to a camp which had been run by an accused pedophile for years. (There may very well be counselors who were prior victims of Pete.)"
I, too, had the same concerns. We recently attended the "family meeting" prior to the films this year and I asked that same exact question of Will Cunningham.
His response was that as soon as Joe was made aware of the allegations in March Pete was terminated and the authorities were contacted. Kanakuk/Joe were specifically forbidden to mention the ongoing investigation as the authorities were in the process of building a case against Pete and didn't want it jeopardized in any way, shape or form.
Pete was formally charged in September and Kanakuk sent an email to kamp families that very day.
Before the family meeting I hadn't considered that Kanakuk might have been issued a "gag" order prior to the charges being filed in September. But when I stop and consider the severity of the charges and the multitude of children involved it seems legitimate to me that the authorities would do everything within their power to ensure the case was rock solid in order for justice to be served.
Will shared with our group that they have been conducting extensive background investigations on staff for years but that would not have prevented them from hiring Pete because he had never been caught so there were no red flags on "paper". They have now hired a consultant who is training them on skills that identify verbal/body language red flags. Like the TV show "Lie To Me".
I was glad I showed up at the parent meeting and asked the tough questions because I LOVE KAMP. I was a kamper there. I worked there. My daughter has been a kamper for 6 years and I want to feel good about sending my son someday.
I came away from that meeting with a better understanding as to why Kamp has handled this situation the way they have. I understand that Kanakuk may NEVER be able to defend themselves ... imagine the backlash if they shifted their focus from supporting the victims to preserving their business. They're in a bit of a "no win" situation.
In my heart I believe Kanakuk will do everything within their power to support the kids who have been victimized, and their families, in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident and we, as parents, have to understand that in today's world our kids are potentially at risk every time they're not in our immediate control. School. Birthday parties. Cub Scouts. Friends homes. Kids have been made victims of this terrible abuse not just at sleepover Christian camps, but in just about every pocket of society.
Because of what's happened with Pete and because it happened with an individual with such prominence and stature within the organization, I believe Kanakuk will set the standard for future safety and personnel screening for any type of kid-oriented business. I certainly have a better understanding now of the types of due diligence questions I will ask before I entrust my kids to anyone else's care. Kanakuk is probably the safest place on earth to send your child this summer.
To the parents of the victims: I'm sorry for what your kids are going through and what it must be like for you too. There really are no words of comfort I can offer, just prayers for healing.
To the last poster...there are and will be victims of Pete all over this country. It is inexcusable for you to insinuate that they will be a danger to others because they were victims...what a careless statement. Do you realize that there are victims that read this blog? Make sure you know what you are saying before you wrecklessly make statements like you did...there are already too many loose comments made that pour salt in their wounds. Let the experts walk these kids through healing without them being accused of passing on this sickness.
I firmly believe that Kanakuk knew about Pete's proclivities prior to March. He was disciplined by them in 2001 and then put right back into his position around children when he should have been quietly dismissed. Any person who puts the safety of children at risk in any way in a business that caters to children should have been fired on the spot. It's just too much of a liability to keep him on staff and it proved to be a very grave mistake for Kanakuk. I would love to know if there were any other "red flags" that came up regarding Pete between the 2001 incident and March 2009. I believe Kanakuk was woefully negligent in the matter concerning Pete. It's becoming more and more evident that there were numerous opportunities to prevent him from being around children and Kanakuk chose to look the other way.
9:03, I know that you love camp, as do I, and want to believe everything you just said. Almost all of it is correct, but one very important thing. Pete was fired on Mar. 10th and camp did not contact authorities until April 7th. They were hoping to contain this info within the victim's families (or at least the ones they knew about at the time) and were hoping this info would stay there. When families started taking their kids to counselors, who are mandated reporters, it became obvious that psychologists/therapists, etc. were going to HAVE to report this abuse. THEN, camp went to authorities b/c they had to. Camp tried to handle this the best they knew how. They were trying to protect victims. They wanted to keep all this private, of course. It soon became apparent that there was no way to do so. As far as a gag order, I'm not so sure that's correct. The prosecutor is not asking anyone to be silent.
Bringing this into the light has hurt, but ultimately it has been necessary. Otherwise, parents across this country would never have known to have these serious talks with their kids. Some may never have known, and therefore never have been helped. Many kids have opened up since it became public in Sept. There are surely MANY MORE who'll never admit to anything. But bringing this sin into the light is biblically appropriate.
In our flesh, we want to "cover" it up....just because it's so hurtful.
Who knows about civil suits. Time will tell. I would love to think that camp is pouring all their resources into these victims' families and are not "lawyering-up" and getting in defense-mode. But, we'll see. All darkness eventually comes into the light.
In the end, camp is a great place. It is NOW a very safe place. It is a wise investment to send your kids there. It's wonderful. Their lives will be enriched there. So, while that place still stands, send your kids. You will not regret it.
How can you say that Kamp is such a wonderful, beautiful place if in fact the management that is running it could have stopped this years ago? Management - aka Joe White, etal had a responsibility years ago to deal with this issue before countless boys were needlessly victimized. To me, the dignity and respect for "Kamp" comes from the top down. Yes it might be a safe place this year and probably overall for "go away camps." But don't you see the disconnect? I feel the place is tainted now. Kanakuk needs to have a godly preacher pray throughout those camps as Satan has left his stain through Pete and his defamation of a Christian environment. I will not support Kanakuk until I get some answers as to when , what and how they knew - how much of a "cover up " this really is. How can I trust my children to a management that "turns its head" to VERY visible signs and accusations that had come forth years and years ago? To run a camp with 50, 000 kids coming through every year and not have strict accountability of your directors, or knowledge of child sexual abuse issues is just irresponsible. Joe White needs to own up to his own SIN in this - not before His almighty God - but to all the families that have supported his camp over the years. You know it Joe....you will never be at rest or at peace in your heart until you own up. The HOly Spirit will nag you until you repent. Then - maybe parents will see you as not so "self righteous" and one of us - just a sinner - needing redemption. Then maybe we can trust you again.
How is this not a national news story? Does Kanakuk really think that they can just keep things quiet and eventually it will all go away? I understand they're offering to answer questions in a closed meeting setting, but what about all of the parents with questions that aren't included in these meetings?
10:49, good question. It's time for another camp-wide email addressing where they are with this situation. Addressing resources families can contact for help. Addressing these rumors of parents' complaints as far back as 2001. Addressing why they didn't be forthright before the 2009 camp season, so that parents would not send their kids unaware. Addressing exactly how/what they've done for these victims. Addressing these rumors about Joe now "defending" Pete. Addressing why Joe doesn't show up at these hearings. Addressing why HE is not speaking. Addressing the restructure of camp from a FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION to a non-profit ministry JUST BEFORE HE FIRED PETE.
In order for there to be complete trust again, these looming questions need answering for the thousands of parents out there trying to decide whether or not to support this ministry financially, or to send their children to camp.
I'd like to know the answer to the question about Pete's house...did he sell it? Does KAtie still live there? If so, how he can afford to keep it? It's bothersome to think that he is being financially supported from "SOMEONE" out there with his house payments (assuming he hasn't sold it), defense costs, bail/bond fees, etc.
Does anybody out there know???????????????
Kanakuk parents:
Do you feel satisfied with the information from Kanakuk? If not, why don't you all put together an open letter to the staff and get signatures? If Kanakuk fails to answer, have it printed in the op-ed page of whatever the paper is in Branson. It seems to me that you all have a LOT of questions that deserve answers from Joe White. It also seems to me that Kanakuk needs to start coming clean before the law suits overwhelm them.
GREAT idea. We should do this.
Question: Can Pete Newman have visitors down at the Taney County Jail? If so, I am going down there this afternoon to give him a piece of my mind. Does anyone know?
To the parents who complained to Kamp authorities about Pete way back in 2001 (or before): What were you told after they "followed-up" with him?
I wonder if kamp is prepared to defend the way they handled him back then. I wonder if they regret sweeping it all under the rug. I wonder if they feel they "did all they could do."
Does anyone know when he gets out????
11:36, did you go see him today?
There was never a "gag order." Police detectives can't muzzle American citizens and prevent them from discussing an investigation. Neither can a prosecutor. Only a judge can issue a gag order. Senior staff had to weigh the interests of all the camp families against a suggestion by the detectives to keep things under wraps. I think Joe White made the wrong call and did it for profit motive using the cover of this phony "gag order."
It is completely disingenuous for Will Cunningham and the K-2 director that called me personally to use this as an excuse for keeping camp parents in the dark for months.
To the poster objecting to my statement regarding camp counselors who may have been victims of Pete when they were younger: It is not a disparagement of victims to imply that they should probably not be counselors. They shouldn't! Who in their right mind would send their kids to camp to spend time under the care and protection of former victims of sexual abuse? It would be laughable if this wasn't all so sad. And I know of one K-kountry counselor last summer who confided in the men's director that he had been abused by Pete.
FYI....from a research standpoint on pedophiles - it is estimated that ON AVERAGE they molest 156 children during their lifetimes ( for this report - est at 40 years of perpetrating) Does that put things into perspective - the magnitude of this situation and the numbers of innocent children impacted?
To 1:07....I think you need to think twice about commenting about victims of sexual abuse. I worked with victims of CSA everyday in a counseling situation. Just because they have been abused as a child does not mean they cannot be healthy, contributing members of society - and YES - even with children. Just because they are a victim doesn't mean they will perpetrate...in fact the statistics are very low in this area ( 11% or so) - contrary to the notion that is being flung around out there that once a victim - now a perp. You should know facts before stating these types of comments - they are hurtful and place shame and blame on the victims and label them for life. I would agree with you on ONE point only and for this reason....most of the victims will most likely not want to revisit a camp or place where there are memories associated with the abuse. These environments can often trigger survivors and therefore they would not be able to be effective. But NOT ALL....I have seen some strong individuals overcome some of the most heinous crimes committed against them and become survivors that give back to others and the community at large. PLEASE don't say these comments again! They need to heal and some of the victims are reading these comments.
1:37, you are exactly right. Unfortunately, it is ignorance that causes people to speak before they know facts. I work for a child therapist, and he tells me that MOST (over 90%) of victims NEVER resort to doing the things done to them.
When they do, there are usually MANY MORE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS to them being psychologically unstable, including bipolar disorder, depression/anxiety disorders, environments where they never receive appropriate counsel after being victimized, etc etc etc.
PLEASE do not spout ignorant statements.
GOD CAN AND WILL USE MANY OF PETE'S VICTIMS FOR HIS GLORY AND IN SIGNIFICANT WAYS.....With the Lord, anyone can overcome anything. God is not limited because of what an evil person does. In Christ, we are overcomers.
Be careful what you say. There are children reading these comments.
Be careful.
Will co-directed with Pete for years. HE is in NO position to be offering understanding. Obviously, he was missing MAJOR discernment. Where was he when Pete was taking kids off campus? He was co-director when a lot of it happened, b/c I know of kids who were. Did he also turn a blind eye?
Does he have a new lawyer to handle his CO case? Who knows? When does he get out of jail?
Somebody PLEASE answer the question of when Pete gets out.
When I was a child, my parents screamed their heads off at each other and at me and my siblings. Today, none of us (siblings) scream at our spouses or children BECAUSE of how we hated that when we were young, and because we don't want to damage our own families in the way we were.
If we did scream our heads off, it would be a CHOICE. A CHOICE.......
Likewise, I witnessed some disturbing things as a child THOUGH I AM NOT DISTURBED. HARDLY.
I agree with the questions regarding what Will knew and when. I am seriously begining to question the honesty of members of camp leadership because we recently attended one of the "family meetings" on this issue. Will led the discussion and when we asked the question of prior allegations against Pete his answer was that he could not speak to any issues that he did not have direct knowledge of. As his co-director at that time, how could he have no knowledge. It has also been stated on prior posts that Will discussed these prior allegations at a staff meeting several years ago. If this is true I am insulted and angry that we, as parents, can not get a straight answer out of camp leadership. Many of us are struggling with the difficult decision of whether to allow our kids to return to camp and I think we deserve some honest answers. I think we have been kept in the dark long enough and many of us sent our kids back to camp last summer uninformed because camp decided not to tell us the truth about the situation. Well now the issue is public knowledge and I think camp leadership owes it to us to answer these questions honestly and quickly!
Don't know if anybody noticed, but the day that mass email went out in March from camp saying that pete "was taking some time away to deal with some personal issues" I looked ALL OVER their website and it was as if Pete Newman had NEVER existed. Every single mention of him, and every single photo of him had been purged. And there had been a lot! They distanced themselves from him back then. I thought that to be curious. Didn't anybody else notice??? At that point, I just "knew" he'd been fired and that it was something really big. Then, throughout the summer, every single K employee gave the same robotic vague answer when pete's name was mentioned. It was just way too obvious that something big was going on.
Lets get real here. To everyone outside Pete's inner circle, he was a great guy. I as a parent thought he was great with the kids. He gave great inspirational talks at Kamp and he was someone the kids loved. My son ( although never alone with Pete) thinks Pete is the greatest. Pete called him at home, and then on my cell phone to wish him happy birthday!
I can totally see why Joe White would have trouble believing that his " K Kountry rockstar" could be as bad as people are saying.
Pete's actions are totally unbelievable. I am not saying they didnt happen, because I believe they did. I am just saying that they are so terrible, that it almost seems impossible, especially from someone that on the outside ( from the parent of a Kamper) seems so awesome and enthusiastic about God, Kamp, and our kids. If you are reading this and are questioning sending your kids back to Kamp, I urge you to not let the terrible actions of one person keep your kids from the wonderful experience they get from the vast majority of people associated with Kanakuk. It is a wonderful place. I hate that it is getting a bad reputation because of the one guy that had so many of us fooled. If Pete really was/is a Christian, he must be dying a slow painful death inside right now. I think his actions were aweful....but I pray for him, and his victims and their families. Kanakuk is a wonderful place....Lets not forget the good that has happened there.
8:59
Kamp is a wonderful place.
But, I think the issue that people are sturggling with is TRUST.
Can they trust the people who run this wonderful place with their most precious life's work and God-given responsibility, their children?
If straight answers are not being given, trust is broken - again.
Unfortunately, we are NOT being given straight answers.
I happen to really know that there is no one telling Kanakuk not to give straight answers from the prosecution/investigation.
HOWEVER, their personal attorneys are gearing up for the onslaught of justifiable civil suits that are sure to come. This would be the only thing shutting them up.
To be clear, it's NOT the investigation/prosecution.
As parents and Christians and certainly camp leadership, God calls us to "SPEAK UP FOR THOSE WHO CAN NOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES." Scripture never says to "defend yourself against the little children."
It's high time they speak up FOR these victims publically. Answer questions straightforwardly from kids AND their parents. Otherwise, no wonder trust is waning.
That CERTAINLY goes for Pete, too.
I am not a Kanakuk parent, however, I cannot believe that you would even consider sending your children back to that place. I don't care how wonderful and special a place it is, the leadership is shady and not to be trusted. That is more than reason enough for me to keep my children far away from there. How can you even consider sending your children to a place where the leadership is conspiring and deceiving for their own protection from civil suits? At the end of the day, Kanakuk is a business. Their switching to non-profit status was surely encouraged by legal counsel as a way to distance themselves from being accused of being "all about the money," however, ask yourself what kind of lifestyle Joe White is leading?
Could you all really be so duped as to put your children back into the hands of people who are now lawyered-up and figuring out more ways to deceive you? Kanakuk is OBVIOUSLY much more interested in protecting itself than in protecting your precious children. Wake up, people!!
NEWSFLASH: God is EVERYWHERE! Not just at Kanakuk!
You people are unbelieveable. I'm amazed at how many of you believe all the claims made by people on this and other blogs. Surely you all understand that those hinding behind the "anonymous" tag don't really know any more than the rest of us. THey claim to be "in the know" about a variety of subjects. You all do get that a blog is not a real source of news, one can place anything on here and state it as fact, regardless of the truthfulness of the statements.
Many claim to know exactly that the leadership of kamp is involved in a cover-up...as if they actually want children to remain harmed, or were ok with what Pete Newman was doing. Many claim to know exactly what the Newmans or Galloway's are thinking and doing...as if they are ok with what Pete has done. Many claim to know that Katie turned a blind eye and that Will Cunningham turned a blind eye and that Joe White turned a blind eye and that anyone who ever knew Pete is at fault for not noticing odd behaviour.
Someone was even on here claiming to be a former counselor and WIll Cunningham had some meeting saying Pete did innappropriate things but they were going to let him stay on staff. I actually did work at kamp for a number of years with them all...no such meeting happened. Guaranteed. I'm not even afraid to leave my name on this post...like all of you are afraid to do...throw stones while hiding behind a wall, very brave you cowards.
In fact, I will leave my email address if anyone wants to discuss this further...adamharrington05@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from 'anonymous' so he/she can help me understand why you know so much.
Thank you, Adam.
Wow, Adam. You are so brave. Especially in using the tactic of misstating everything you've read here so as to exaggerate our points of view and make us all out to be lying extremist cowards.
Surprising that you would even waste your time reading this blog since you are so superior to us.
Ok Eliminate the passion of Adams post and he still has a point. I agree that some people need the opportunity to hide their identity, especially in the case of protecting a victim. However I dont think this is the case for most of posts here. It has been easy for people to make bold statements behind the veil of anonymity (exception of Ashley Marie). Truth be told you cannot believe everything you read... Especially if it is on a blog... and rarely if it coming from someone who is "anonymous". I would offer the suggestion that if you dont feel comfortable putting your name on it then dont write it (again exception granted to those who are clearly protecting a victim). Otherwise your words are taken with a grain of salt in my book and I encourage others to do the same. Respectfully, Ben Rodda
You are exactly right. My apologies to those who under the name "anonymous" are protecting their children. You are the only ones i can think of that shouldn't put your names.
Apology accepted.
Can anybody tell us what's next in this pathetic case?
What's next:
Pete is in the Taney County jail awaiting extradiction to Colorado to face at least one charge.
His next Taney County hearing is in March.
Unable to find any reports in the Durango, CO, online version of their newspaper, The Durango Herald, I contacted them a couple of days ago. They knew nothing about Pete's arrest on La Plata County charges. There is a story on their website today, Jan. 28.
I can't believe how difficult it is to find news reports on this story. The editors must have no idea how many thousands of people knew Pete through camp over the last ten years.
HATE that this is in the Durango paper as KIVU has NOthing to do with Pete. I wish they'd explain that Pete was only there a couple of times for a few days to do that Father-Son camp. I would really hate to see them get all this same bad press when they are totally innocent of anything at all. Andy Braner runs a tight ship and he has many layers of checks & balances in place to prevent anything of this nature ever going on there, although KIVU kids are much older than K-Country kids anyway.
KIVU shares much of the same excitement and "ways" of traditional Kanakuk camps, but overall is a MUCH different camp. Andy takes on a completely different approach to teaching the gospel and discipling young students and young adults in their faith. Way more mature place overall. That's not intended as a neg. comment toward MO camps, but it's just geared toward kids "in a different place."
Pete was never a fit at KIVU, even before all this came to light.
People should be very careful before they start slinging mud KIVU's way.
Wow...to the last poster....not ONE mention of the victims in this horrible tragedy! How truly sad...
3:30, that goes without saying. They (victims) are the saddest part of this story, of COURSE. The victims should be on the forefront of EVERYone's concern, before any other thing, including camp, etc. OF COURSE. That goes without saying.
I'd like to say something else. I have 3 sons and our family knew Pete really well (well, obviously not, but you know what I mean--we thought we were close to him). Anyway, lots of one-on-one time with my boys, home visits, trips and such. And NEVER did an inappropriate thing happen with my kids. And I believe them. I've even taken them to a well respected therapist who would "pull out" something if it were there...Nothing. However, I DO believe all these allegations.
But to assume, or presume to "know," that everyone who ever was close to Pete Newman is a victim is gross ignorance. My kids, and myself, have had many questions and innuendo dropped our way, suggesting that my 3 kids were abused. While I appreciate the "concern" (which mostly is nosey people hoping to find a good topic of gossip), it is just so upsetting to think that people are assuming my kids have been abused when they have NOT.
Who out there is going through this, and how are YOU handling it? I want to put a sign on my car that says, "You're wrong!"
Even in this, Pete has victimized us, b/c there's that assumption out there that everyone who ever knew him is somehow "damaged goods" now. Sad. Pete, I really hate you now. And I hope you rot.
Kanakuk Kamp, Joe White and all of the administrative staff should be held accountable for their part in this tragic situation. A full investigation should take place by the authorities or private investigators hired by the victims and their attorney's to determine what they knew, how long they knew it and if there was any attempt to protect Mr. Newman, cover up any of his indiscretions, or naively turn a blind eye to signs of his pedophilia. If they are not culpable and are found not responsible in any way...then possibly the Kamp can move forward in rebuilding its' reputation. As a parent I would never send my children to any of the Kanakuk Kamps until they are publicly cleared of any responsibility. I would never assume that the Kamps are safe just because they are a Christian camp. It is this sort of "blind faith" that allowed Pete Newman to victimize innocent children while hiding behind his facade of Christianity.
5:56, you are correct in everything you said, except that camp IS a good and safe place. Just because this ONE pervert used it as his hunting ground doesn't mean that camp is bad. It would be a shame for kids to now miss out on what camp offers b/c of fear generated by this ONE PERVERT who is now gone.
But you are SO RIGHT in that camp administration from Joe White down, needs to come clean and explain everything they've ever known about Pete Newman. I do believe it was being naive that caused them to continue their trust in him after those initial complaints back in 2001. It doesn't excuse them, but I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER believe that they maliciously allowed something like that to go on there. They made mistakes. They trusted when warning signs should have broken the trust. They wanted to believe the best in him. They just were very uninformed about the signs of pedophilia and they gave him WAY too much freedom in his role as director.
If I were in charge there, I'd be putting all my directors through some serious questioning and counseling as to why they "never saw" this coming. They'd have some tough questions to ask. Especially the Cunninghams and Sparks. And let's not forget about Katie. Afterall, she was on their payroll as well. She ought to have to answer some tough questions. Starting with, "What planet have you been living on?"
When the FBI and others get involved (if they haven't already) b/c of allegations of abuse overseas, they'll get to the bottom of all this. It would just be nice if people would start talking and coughing up the whole truth before it has to be forced out of them under perjury of law.
*they'd have some tough questions to ANSWER (I meant to say)
I hope Kanakuk is a good and safe place. I hope this was an isolated lack of judgement on their part. But hope will never be enough for me when it comes to my children.
Most people thought Mr. Newman a good and safe person this time last year.
I repeat, Joe White and his administration should be subjected to a thorough investigation to clear their names and the name of Kanakuk....and of all...garner much needed information as to how this could happen...if the warning signs were there.
Amen 3:20.
Wow...it's amazing to read this blog and see the way different people react to this story. Pete Newman was like family to us. He made God fun. He made kamp fun. He made everything fun when he was around. And all the while, he was grooming me (as a mom) and my oldest son. He took the trust that I as a parent gave him and my son as a young boy gave him and took advantage of us all. He victimized my son. Yes, my adolecent innocent son, was asked to do things that you just can't imagine. But I don't blame Kanakuk or the directors or Joe White. Pete was a professional manuipulator...those people didn't know what he was doing. Not a single person would have know those details and not reported it to someone. So to all of you wanting to blame someone, get over it. Pete is responsible and Pete will serve time in a prison for the things he has done and Pete will have to deal with our heavenly Father. This is Pete's story, not Kanakuk or it's peoople.
Yes my SON IS A VICTIM. He is also a kamper at Kanakuk. He went last year and will go this year--He wants to be there. It's not a bad place for him. Pete didn't molest his victims while they were at Kamp in the summer. (obviously there may be some, but for most, it was away from kamp, at his home or other homes.) Regardless, our son feels safe and loved by a place called Kanakuk and it is heartbreaking to read some of the posts on here. Some of the insensitivty is unbearable. Why do so many of you care so much about blaming other people. There is ONE person being charged here. Just ONE.
To the other victim's and parents--I pray for all of us. No one really understands the pain of loving someone so deeply and then having them do this to you, unless you experience it for yourself.
Godspeed.
Regarding previous questions:
Pete's house is still for sale. No buyer yet.
Pete is in jail with a 250,000 bond from Colorado and on top of that, Taney County has him being held with NO BOND. It is assumed he will be there at least until March, when there is another hearing. Things may or may not change then.
Dont know if he is allowed visitors, but would assume that all prisoners in a county jail would have a time each week when they are allowed visitors.
Does anyone know if he has had any? If yes---any details?
1. What happens at the March 4th hearing? Will that be when a trial is scheduled, assuming he's continuing to plead "Not Guilty"?????
2. Will he be extradited to Colorado before March 4th, or afterward?
3. What if the MO hearing-dates conflict with the CO hearing-dates?
4. Does anyone know if he's had any visitors?
5. Anybody have any answers about where his $$ is coming from? This defense must be getting very expensive.
11:48 says: "Pete was a professional manuipulator...those people didn't know what he was doing. Not a single person would have know those details and not reported it to someone."
I agree people(kanakuk) did not know the details...what decent person would ever imagine such heinous behavior...but, it appears there were signs and complaints of inappropriate behavior by Pete years ago. If those signs and complaints had been taken seriously, or if Kanakuk had a zero tolerance policy...your son may have never been victimized.
Of course, if Pete had been dismissed from Kanakuk years ago instead of being reprimanded and allowed to continue working there, he would have found somewhere else to be with children. Pedophiles will find a way to be around children...so it would have just been a different venue with different children.
If one good thing comes out of this situation, maybe it will be that Kanakuk will now adopt a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any inappropriate or suspicious behavior between adults and children.
Can anyone expand on the allegation that formal complaints were made about Pete in 2001? I can't seem to find anything but vague references to "Kanakuk knew in 2001" but I would like to hear specific factual details as to who complained, what did they complain about, who did they complain to, how did they complain (phone call, email, letter, etc.), and what was Kanakuk's response? Thank you. If this allegation is rooted in fact, and not some internet-based rumor that has taken on a life of its own, it refutes everything Kanakuk is saying in their parent meetings and that is important for me to know. Thank you.
This is such a great question! I'm not sure what your relationship is to the case, but it might not be a bad idea to contact one of the law firms that's working with the victims of this case. I can't remember the name of the firm, but I know there's one in particular in Birmingham, AL that you could check in with. I would think that they have been asking the same questions and probably have credible information.
quick google search found this regarding that firm: http://www.cwcd.com/Kanakuk-Kamps-Sexual-Abuse.php
This law firm is not working with victims. It is an ambulance chasing law firm. Common sense would tell you that. The reason you don't see any specific information regarding what did or did not happen years ago, is because it was never a formal investigation. If you seriously want more information, you need to contact Doug Goodwin at Kanakuk. If anything, it was a personel matter. Between employee and employer...not through the court system.
If you believe Kanakuk would allow someone they knowingly thought to be a child molester continue to work there, then you should not send your children to Kanakuk.
I know better--that is why I am comfortable sending my children to Kanakuk.
These are all RUMOR based. There are NO facts to back it up. That doesn't mean there wasn't a situation (s)--but if there was, it was handled to the degree of the situation.
3:07, just b/c something didn't turn into a formal investigation doesn't mean it didn't happen. Perhaps there SHOULD have been a formal investigation but b/c it was "dealt with" in-house w/o reporting to authorities, it was never known to all of us wondering today. You should ask the Kanakuk authorities about your questions re: the parents who reported Pete's naked games, etc. back in 2001-2003. Ask them. They know the answers to your questions. People here don't necessarily know. And one last note: A Zero-tolerance policy re: innapropriate behavior would have taken him out during the first year he was employeed at camp...You can take that one to the bank. Time will tell.
I in no way believe Kamp new of actual child molestation by Pete Newman and allowed him to continue working for Kanakuk. But, he displayed inappropriate behavior very early on after he was hired and several times until he left in the spring of last year. A zero tolerance policy of this sort of behavior would have prohibited the molestation from happening. The Kamp was aware of the molestation in the spring of last year and did not inform parents of campers before the beginning of summer kamp season and that is inexcusable. They did not provide parents vital infomration to make an informed decision about sending their kids to camp Summer 2009. Inexcusable.
sorry..."knew"
6:10--wake up. Co-directors of Pete's would have known he was breaking all kinds of kamp rules by leaving campus with kids.
Counselors should have been suspicious.
Playing naked games, streaking, and all the "locker-room" humor that he disquised this by should have alerted an "informed" staff....his obsession with these boyish activities should have been red flags!!!!!!!!!!
Do these leaders (from the top down to the counselors) not get any education from sexual abuse experts????? They must have been completely ignorant and uninformed! How do you run an organization catering to thousands of little children and not understand the warning signs of pedophilia???? How do you allow sketchy behavior by one of your directors to continue????? HOW???
What about all his clerical staff who coordinated all his "comings and goings?" What about them? Certainly, they should have known that his "relationships" with kids were unlike all the rest.
It's time for all of you people to take your blinders off, wake up, and accept that this guy you worshipped is a pedophile, pure and simple. He used his charm and manipulation to do what he did.....but for that charm and manipulation to still be affecting your ability to see with clarity says something about your intelligence.
Just go back and read all the initial comments left on this blog when the story first broke back in September. Idiots saying they stood by him, and didn't believe this, etc. ..are saying NOTHING now. B/c there are NO supporters left. People wised up as they informed themselves of the horrifying facts. Anyone supporting him still would just have to be an enabler.
This guy needs to be tried if he will not plead guilty. Then, he will be convicted b/c the overwhelming evidence IS there. THEN, he needs to get AT LEAST a 100 year sentence to send the message to victims that the legal system cares and to ensure this predator is not out hunting prey again EVER.
His cavalier attitude about all of this is unbelievable. His family thinks he's been forthcoming with them, but there is a mountain of evidence they know nothing about.
Lock him up. Throw away the key. Forget about him.
To: 5:50am. Your comment proves why information gleaned from the internet and held up as the truth is dangerous. Have you read the actual court documents? Because I don't believe there is any case where a child was molested while attending Kanakuk as a summer camper. My understanding is Pete targeted these kids when camp was out of session.
Your hysterical mud-slinging - implying that the staff sat idly by why he pranced these kids through the front gates of camp right in front of their eyes - is insulting to a lot of good people who would lay down their lives to protect their campers.
I don't believe I'm incorrect here, but if I am I will gladly offer a correction and an apology.
Unless you are a victim, you don't know when or where the kids were abused. The court documents don't tell the whole story so please stop commenting about things you don't know about. There is one person to hold accountable and that is the man who committed these crimes.
Yes 1:16, victim's families know many more details that are not here on this blog, or even in the court documents. Victim's families have seen and been given information that would quiet many many defenders out there.
1:16, the probable cause statements out there are only rough descriptions given from an investigator to show probable cause to proceed with bringing charges. They are rough. They are not intended to show detail. And even at that, there are a few details that were mixed up between victims, so don't take what you think you know as the gospel...or even the whole story. There are MANY more victims, than there are current charges. MANY more charges could and will be brought if he doesn't PLEAD GUILTY soon. Watch and you will see. Additionally, there are many families who have been told by their sons that things have happened to them, but are not turning over the info to authorities for fear of their privacy not being honored. There is just SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO much that the general public will never know. This man has spent over 10 years pulling these tricks. He has probably molested more victims than any other pedophile in history...think about it.....how many other pedophiles have had this much access to little victims? Let's hope none.
So don't be naive. Don't think you know everything b/c you read the court documents.
When this goes to court, IF it does, a lot will come out then. But let's pray for the victim's sake that this pervert does one right thing and confesses to the judge on March 4th or before.
1:16, did you read the charges filed in November about the acts committed by little peter in the K-dome? THAT IS CAMP! His office is CAMP!
3:07 & 1:16
Are you related to Joe White? Is he your father? Uncle? Or you a employee of Kanakuk? Have some sort of vested interest in Kamp? Yes to all or any of these questions would be the only way to explain your very zealous defense of Kanakuk. You must be personally affected by all of this somehow...or there would be NO way any loving, caring parent would send their child to a Kamp that did not have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for even the slightest indiscretion!! There are plenty of other camps out there that have not had this sort of thing happen under their watch! All of the signs were handed to Kanakuk on a silver platter!
No one thinks or (and probably even the victims families) believes that Joe White or any of the administration knew that Mr. Newman was molesting children! But, what everyone does know is:
1. Pete Newman was admonished by Joe White for playing naked games with children while at Kamp in the first years or so he worked at Kamp. This was after a complaint from a parent(s).
2. Over the years, parents and co-workers talked of and even brought to the attention of administration at Kanakuk, behavior by Pete that was questionable.
3. At least one of the victims was taken advantage of while on the property of Kanakuk Kamp.
4. Pete spent time with children away from Kamp as a REPRESENTATIVE of Kanakuk.
5. He was allowed to spend time alone with children while at Kamp, even though this was against Kamp policy. Administration just let is slide.
6. After Kamp realized what was going on... they did not do the right thing... they should have informed every parent of every potential 2009 summer camper. Parents were due the right to make a decision about sending their kids to camp with all of the information!
All of this happened while he was an employee of Kanakuk...the place where he made his contacts with children and subsequently victimized them. Kanakuk did not properly supervise Mr. Newman and for this they are culpable. They made a huge, huge oversight that will cause many, many pain for many, many years.
4:09, I agree with your 6 points b/c I know them to be factually true. I would add a 7th:
7. As a "Mandated Reporter", kamp should have called Dept. of Children's Services and the police before they did. Playing "naked basketball" or "streaking" or riding 4-wheelers while naked all fall under the category of INDECENT EXPOSURE by Pete Newman. Now, the last I checked, that is a crime. A crime against children. So WHY would a mandated reporter not report? WHY? To decide to "handle" those situations privately and not report as you were mandated by law to do...............is irresponsible at least. There is a reason the law mandates that these behaviors be reported. That reason is to prevent exactly what has happened here. If they would have reported these things when they should have, a formal investigation would have been done, which would have forced them into firing him a loooooooooooong time ago. WHY didn't they?
Kanakuk is a good place, run by very good people. Good people are not perfect and make mistakes. In hindsight, they must feel terrible about not dealing appropriately with Pete Newman way back when his indiscretions began. Kanakuk would NEVER have condoned any type of sexual abuse or any of the things he has done. They simply thought that Pete was guilty of typical-high-school-locker-room-type behavior. They thought it was innocent fun. They believed that Pete was who he pretended to be. Remember what a great actor he was/is. (We should say "IS" b/c this isn't over yet, and if this goes to trial, the ACTOR will still be on stage). Kanakuk has to be SO regretful. They are sick about all this hurt. They LOVE KIDS and want only the best for them. They wouldn't want to cause one second of the slightest pain to any child. This has happened. They know that they left the door open. But that was a MISTAKE, people! A mistake. Please forgive them.
Bravo, 4:09!
And now Kanakuk is hiding behind their made-up legal-speak, rather than being straightforward with parents. They weren't truthful then and they still aren't being truthful. You are CRAZY if you send your kids back to that place!
There HAS to be people out there reading this who are close to Pete's wife and daughter. If you are, could you anonymously tell us how they are doing. So many people adored and loved them and are hoping only the best for them. It would be so comforting to hear a good report. Thank you.
If you are a mandated reporter, and it is discovered you didn't report something(s) you should have, is this criminal?
A HUGE mistake 6:13. We are not talking about forgiveness here...but rather responsibility and culpability. Yes, Mr. Newman was and is a great manipulator who obviously manipulated Joe White and other staff. But, when you are running a business such as Kanakuk, which puts itself in a position to care for and protect children, it is paramount to establish and uphold rules and regulations to protect those children. Kanakuk may have had such rules and regulations in place...but, they absolutely did not uphold them. Mr. Newman was allowed to behave outside of the rules and consequently was able to carry out his "grooming" process which eventually lead to the horrible actions and outcome we are facing today.
Kanakuk can be forgiven...but, shouldn't they be asking for forgiveness?
The issue is not that kamp had one bad apple, but rather how they handled the situation. Did they conduct an internal investigation? Did they tell parents about the incident? Have they fully disclosed what their own internal investigation concluded? Did they learn anything from the incident? Had they conducted a pre-employment background investigation on the counselor? Had they ignored signals that they should have reacted to? Forget about the camp's ''reputation.''
The camp's ''reputation'' with me is not at all good, given what we know now, but reputation is an ever-changing concept. It is time to get to the real issues. If at the end of an extensive inquiry people believe that the camp puts child safety first, that they take effective steps to employ decent, capable, honorable people, that they do all they can to provide a safe environment, then people should feel comfortable sending their children there. If you feel otherwise, you shouldn't feel comfortable sending your children there.
Personally, my children deserve to attend a camp that has absolutley followed the above criteria in the past. I am not willing for my children to be the guinea pigs to determine if the necessary changes have been made at Kanakuk. With over 1800 christian camps in the United States alone, I am sure I can find a camp that adheres to the very important rules and regulations needed to protect children. Those of you willing to offer up your children as the "test market" for the next 5 years or more (as at least this much time will be needed to clear the Kanakuk name)...go ahead.
6:13. Take a moment and consider how you felt about Pete Newman this time last year...before his true self was revealed.
It might have you re-thinking your position on Kanakuk.
Err on the side of caution... children are at stake.
9:42: EXACTLY. That's the disturbing part. They are not b/c to do so would be an admission of responsibility in this whole nightmare. The mistake was forgivable. Cover-ups.....well, they're a whole other story.
9:42 Agreed.
Kanakuk is NOT taking responsibility for what they allowed to happen and NOT asking for forgiveness, therefore why should we extend it? Instead, they are hiding behind lawyers and covering their own butts. They kept Pete in a key position surrounded by children even in spite of all of the gigantic red flags because they were using him as a marketing tool and money-maker. Pete must have been laughing himself to sleep every night at the way Kanakuk and Kanakuk parents were making things so easy for him.
Kanakuk's #1 priority is NOT your kids. It's Kanakuk.
I'm still amazed at the number of you who believe as fact all these things you read on the internet, weather this blog or another.
Here are the facts:
1. Pete Newman is a pedophile.
2. Pete Newman has harmed countless children and their families.
3. Kanakuk did not do these things.
4. Kanakuk did not turn a blind eye to what happened.
That is all anyone knows. And, unless you are a victim or Pete Newman, there is no way to ever know the full truth. I worked at kamp for a number of years, in a setting like that you never walk around thinking the leaders, or anyone else for that matter, are pedophiles. It doesn't enter your mind.
You all speak about so much knowledge of what parents have done in the past, their complaints, etc. How do you know all this? Maybe you actually do know all...
Things happened on kamp property, in the off season. The reality is, when kamp is not in session, any stranger could walk into kamp and do anything they want.
Stop blaming others, stop watching CSI and stop it with all the conspiracy theories. Pete is guilty, he will go to prison, hopefully for the rest of his life.
Saying Kanakuk is at fault is like saying the PGA is at fault for Tiger Woods' indescretions, simply because he 'represents' the PGA.
Stop being so gullible. Be patient, wait for a trial or a guilty plea.
And again, I'm not afraid to use my name. STOP HIDING BEHIND "ANONYMOUS" YOU COWARDS! Unless you are the parent of a victim, you are simply a coward to make allegations hiding behind 'anonymous.'
Are you Adam Harrington who went to Auburn and now plays professional basketball? If you knew Pete when you were at Auburn, then you knew how inappropriate his interactions with kids were then.
Adam,
I'm a parent of a victim....and I'm sorry to disappoint you, but you are the gullible one. There are more facts than the 4 you mention. A LOT more. Kamp didn't turn a blind eye, but they let many serious indescretions go unreported while they attempted to do an in-house-reprimand. So, they TRIED to address his behaviors, but they weren't equipped with enough knowledge to "fix" his problems before they led to this.
I appreciate how you defend kamp b/c it still IS one of the most wonderful places on earth, and I think people should still trust them. BUT IN THIS INSTANCE, they dropped their guard, did not report as mandated, and now we have countless victims suffering a life that you, Adam, can't fathom.
So be careful what you say. Be very careful. Many victims and their families read this and many of them are commenting. Victim's families DO HAVE MANY MORE FACTS THAN YOU WOULD HAVE.
Adam, one more thing. Are you a parent? If so, has any of your children ever been abused in this way by a once trusted "mentor" in their lives, under the watch and care of an institution you whole-heartedly trusted to protect the most precious thing in all the world to you?
If not, then YOU or ANYONE ELSE has a right to blow off such insensitivity!
God help you.
At some point the blogging will have to stop regarding all of this. I am a mom of a victim and I am on here like the rest of you trying to make some sense of everything that has happened. Here's where I am coming from:
Regarding Pete: I am praying for a quick resolve to the charges here in Missouri. There will be consequences to the countless acts he committed against these kids. I am praying that he TRULY comes to know the Savior...as his actions show me that he does not (I John3).
Regarding Kamp: I do not hold them responsible. Yes, its easy to see the red flags in retrospect. I pray for them as my fellow believers in this suffering...they ARE suffering. Remember, Pete, fooled ALL of us. Do they share some responsibility?
Probably. Will I forgive them? Absolutely. Whether or not you choose to send your kids to kamp again is your decision, but make a decision and move forward.
Most importantly, regarding the victims. PRAY for them. My son still believes that God is Good!!! He still trusts in his Savior. Yes, has been hurt and betrayed...but he is NOT damaged for life. I believe that GOD will be glorified in this in a way that I will be so amazed.
At some point we have to move on from accusations, insinuations, and bitterness to allow these kids to heal, the court to do its job, and for Pete to be held accountable. I won't tell you to forgive and forget because I don't believe you have to forget to extend forgiveness. My family and I are taking one day at a time trying to process all that we have been through, but i just pray that as fellow believers we can do that so much better together. Thanks for listening.
Two quick responses:
First, to the poster who said Kanakuk is all about Kanakuk and not kids.
That simply is not true. Most likely, you have never been on the grounds of Kanakuk for any length of time, or you haven't been in a close association with Joe White or any of the directors.
I have for many years. And, I can tell you the only reason for Kanakuk is to introduce kids to Jesus and to help them become His loyal followers in today's world.
Sure, the leadership has to be careful in the Pete Newman situation. The entire mission of Kanakuk can be thwarted by one person. So, knowing Joe's heart and the heart of the leadership, I don't blame them for walking cautiously.
The truth will come out, and if Kamp is culpable, that will be shown. However, if they are culpable in any way, it is NOT because they purposely did anything to harm a child. It's as one poster put it, you aren't walking on Kamp grounds looking for pedophiles. That just never crosses your mind. I have a hunch, it will from now on.
Second, this is just an observation to Adam Harrington. I understand your concern that people on this blog are accepting things as facts that are given by people who don't give their name. However, there are other reasons for a person not giving their name than simply being a parent of a victim. I am not giving my name for an entirely different reason. If I had to post my name, I wouldn't share things I have shared. But, I am knowledgable of many of the details of the case. So, in my opinion, not giving your name doesn't mean you're a coward.
Everyone, let's all pray for a quick resolution to this.
After being locked up for over 2 weeks now, surely Pete has to be acknowledging that his acting/hiding/manipulating/lying old ways no longer are working. Surely, his family is starting to have their blinders removed and are coming to realize that he hasn't even confessed the tip of the iceberg to them yet. Surely, his wife is starting to swallow that this guy she married never even existed. Surely, his supporters are beginning to see that they are carelessly WRONG. Surely, the $ for this growing defense (including many states lined up to bring their own charges) is going to run out soon. Surely, Mr. Tom Carver is beginning to realize that the man he's representing is not even close to coming clean with him. Surely, some semblance of reality must be starting to sink in with the Newman and Galloway families. Surely.
One man. Unaccountable. Unleashed untold pain.
Please, let's pray he pleads guilty soon.
be patient. the guilty plea is coming. soon, very very soon.
8:33, how do you know? Is there a deal in the making? If so, I sure hope there's enough charges to sentence him to a lifetime of incarceration. It wouldn't compare to the suffering he's brought onto so many good people, but at least it would protect the streets from this monster ever doing this again. Perhaps the victims and their families will feel some vindication. It's just a shame that taxpayers have to spend a single cent on this worthless piece of trash.
The Oprah Show will be addressing the topic of child molestation today - Monday, Feb 8. How pedophiles gain the trust of children through the grooming process.
I agree with not giving your name. It doesn't make you a coward, it gives you the freedom to express how you are feeling without the risk of someone knowing personal details about families. It is also therapeutic for those of us that were very close to Pete and Katie. Pete was very calculating and methodical in planning all of this out. First let's just look at the program he started at Kanakuk called "Iron Man". How smart was that to start a program which required the boys doing it to send Pete journals with their thoughts and prayers in it once a month! And phone calls and texts were "normal" because you were doing the Iron Man program where Pete would call to encourage you to continue or write letters to get the boys to continue with their "Iron Man" Bible study. I used to think I was so lucky that Pete was able to get my boys to read their Bible every night through the Iron Man program. And, isn't it interesting that if you did "Iron Man" for a period of 2 years, you were qualified to go on a mission trip with Pete to China or wherever else they might go, another way of getting alone time. And isn't it funny that there was no "Iron woman" program? And, even further, if you did this program for a period of 2 years, you were qualified to become a junior counselor and spend two weeks helping out Pete at K-Kountry during one of the sessions. It just amazes me how much thought he put into this and how much he manipulated all of us! At least that is how it looks from my point of view. I think that much calculation needs to be brought out in court to show the intentions were well planned out and calculated. Maybe that would add on to the sentence. All very painful and damaging to the faith of many. Yes, my boys still walk in their faith, but it is damaged and they don't read their Bible every night any more. In fact, hardly ever. It breaks my heart. Thanks Pete!!
Own up Pete...your family needs to get on with their torn-up lives and try to begin the life-long healing process.
How many times did you stand up on your pedestal and teach boys about owning their own crap.
How many times did you preach about doing the right thing?
How many times did you teach little kids to ask for forgiveness from 1) God, and 2) others??
Where is ANY of the character you pretended to be teaching?
Why go away forever without showing even a shred of decency?
If you watched the child molestors on the Oprah show, you got a glimpse into the mindset of Pete. Go to her website, and see the whole interview.
That Oprah episode yesterday was very powerful. I strongly urge those of you who haven't seen it to watch it.
I've emailed producers at the Oprah show to alert them to Pete's case and urge those of you interested to do the same. Emails are:
Allison Kearns, AKearns@harpo.com
Jill Barancik, JBarancik@harpo.com
Amy Farrar, AFarrar@harpo.com
Katy Davis, KDavis@harpo.com
Dana Brooks, DBrooks@harpo.com
Candi Carter, CCarter@harpo.com
Lesia Minor, LMinor@harpo.com
Tara Montgomery, TMontgomery@harpo.com
7:52--Now WHY exactly do you feel Oprah needs to be aware of Pete? Do you have the victims' best interest in mind here? Or, are you just wanting to drag him through the mud? Believe me, I hope no one ever trusts him again, but what about these victims? Do you think they want this all over Oprah?
To the last poster:
Are you SERIOUS? Why would you want to bring more attention to this case? Is your son a victim? Don't you understand what these boys have been through already? They don't need it to be in the news any more than it is!! Do you need the attention for some sick reason? I beg all of you to NOT contact "news" shows or talk shows. Why would you encourage people to do this?
@7:52
Ever heard the term "fool's errand?" You appear to be on one. Why are you and others so desperate to see this become a national headline? If it were worthy of being that, it WOULD be already. Do you really think the national news organizations don't have access to this? If it does become news, it's not news for long. The sad fact is, this kind of sinful damage done to children is already pervasive in our society.
If you are tearing down, stop. Join those who are building up. You'll have more to show for your efforts at the end of the day. THAT would be a worthy news story.
http://crimesceneinvestigations.blogspot.com/2010/02/possible-plea-negotiations-in-newman.html
According to this site, a plea deal is possibly in the works.
People trying to get this news into the spotlight HAVE NOT WALKED IN THE SHOES OF THESE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES!!!!!
What is wrong with you? Who are you trying to hurt? Whoever is promoting this story should be ashamed. There has already been so much hurt, without you doing this.
Selfish people...preoccupied with their own desires...just like Pete Newman.
Shame on you!
Any of you wanting this to be on the national news, must not have children. My kids go to Kanakuk a couple of them are to young to know in detail what Pete Newman did and the older ones, well they are victims. Media attention will do nothing but cause more pain and anger and hurt and lies and mistruths. Please consider the consequense of what that attention could bring.
Pete will be in prison soon. Be patient. Plea is in the works. Put yourself in the shoes of children who know and don't know what Pete did before you throw Oprah in the middle.
The Oprah show you are referring to, might have been good for some of you to see. If so, great. I don't need Oprah to interview men who rape girls to "help" me understand the mind of Pete Newman. If I want advice I will seek it from educated, christian therapists, NOT OPRAH WINFREY. Thanks for the offer though.
Oprah Winfrey was molested as a child...over a period of years by two different people. Her show was an effort to educate parents and caregivers on how pedophiles infiltrate themselves into families lives to satisfy their deviant desires. How over 90% of the time they are a family member or a close family friend.
The victims in the Pete Newman case are well aware of how it all happens. But, there are many who need to understand and recognize the signs. I applaud her for offering this public service.
3:34, I understand what you're saying and I am NOT an Oprah-fan either. I think she's got some way-off ideas, particularly about spiritual matters.
However, as 3:57 said, she is in somewhat of a position to speak to THIS issue since she was victimized herself. I watched the show and she let theses molesters do almost all the talking. It was pretty insightful, b/c you heard each and every one of them say they would NEVER have gotten away with their crimes if they had not been in a POSITION OF TRUST with these victims. Even though their victims were girls, and Pete's were boys (Remember: the public hasn't heard everything yet, and there are many more charges that will be filed if he doesn't plead guilty, and there are many kids, possibly including girls, not talking yet, plus you never know what went on with his daughter or nieces...don't gasp--the possibility fits the profile), the mode of operation was the same: befriend/gain power in the lives of the victim/gain trust of victim and family/slowly begin with inappropriate behavior/guilt them into staying quiet.
Being a victim and being friends with several victims, we can tell you that this is exactly how it happened with Pete. The key word is TRUST. So, the Oprah show did give some very useful information, b/c it was given by the pedophiles themselves.
Christian therapists are also who you need to talk to. They have told us the exact same thing re: TRUST providing the perfect opportunity.
So PARENTS AND KIDS: Be very careful with people in your kids' lives. It's okay to trust, but still be careful. Over 90% of the time, it's TRUSTED PEOPLE in their lives who take advantage of that position.
TELL YOUR KIDS THAT YOU'D NEVER BE UPSET WITH THEM if they came to you and told you that someone had been inappropriate with them.
IT IS NEVER NEVER NEVER the kid's fault. They are kids. The perpetrator is an adult. A sick, calculating, powerful adult.
As for me, I will never 100% trust anyone again. That's sad. But, Pete fooled hundreds of us, probably thousands. He was convincing. He was a con-man and it worked for him. How do we know there aren't other Petes walking amongst us? We don't. So be very careful who you allow to get close to your child.
Be alert. The devil is prowling about, seeking whom he can devour.
I seriously pray that Pete Newman gets what he deserves. He is an EVIL person.
He knowingly harmed so people that he supposedly loved. People he knew his own wife loved. People he knew that were so innocent and precious. Who knowingly hurts a little child? Who knowingly devastates fine, lovely families? Who knowingly brings suffering onto an organization that is so good, and has been for over 80 years? Who knowingly destroys his precious parents, brothers, wife and own daughter? Who operates in a perpetual state of blasphemy?
I'll tell you who. SATAN incarnate!
When I look at pictures of Pete, I see the devil himself. Looking back, the darkness was there all along, but because he was/is so deceiving like the devil himself, we weren't able to see that darkness before.
We reap what we sow.
I have to say I am sick and tired of everyone saying "ask Kanakuk administration, ask Kamp officials for the answers to these hard questions. The fact is I have done that. I asked these questions at the Kanakuk "family meeting" and got the run around. I asked these questions in writing to kamp leadership and got the generic non answers again. They have not and apparently are not going to answer the parents questions that are lingering out here. We as parents are just going to have to Pray about this and try to use our best judgement because we are not going to get a response from Kamp to help us with these questions.
I have been told that Joe White, or Kanakuk directors, are in touch with families of the victims on a regular weekly basis.
If any parent of a victim is reading this, can you verify if that is true?
Did anyone ever stop to think that if Kamp reveals more details about the crimes that they would/could put the privacy of the boys at risk? How much more detail do you need? You already know as much detail as you need to discuss with your boys their possible impact regarding Pete. Don't be so self-focused as to think everyone is entitled or needs to know everything. The public release of the reports are more than enough. Why do you think you are entitled to more? Your job is to talk to your children, seek counseling if necessary and make a decision regarding kamp that you feel comfortable with. Yes, kamp is guided by advice from attorneys, and rightfully so. You would do the same. But perhaps the motive is not as you think. We need to live with the fact that we will not know everything. No, I don't work for Kamp. There is no playbook for this kind of a situation. Let's employ some compassion and try to realize the enormous pain that ALL parties involved are experiencing.
6:08, It's better to be up front. Come to the hearings/trial/whatever. Answer questions. Do your best fielding questions. You might not please everyone with your answers, but at least people can appreciate you being open and honest. People doubt you when you're in hiding and giving vague pat answers through staff who are lower on the totem pole. Just help all of us who are struggling with whether or not this is still a safe place.
Who are you trying to protect?? Your camp or our children?
Well if you are tired of not getting the answers you are looking for, is it possible that there are no answers to the questions you are asking. If Kanakuk knew of any prior issues with Pete, where are the facts? Where is the information. Perhaps what you are seeking is so difficult to find because it is not there. Perhaps you could move forward and realize that Kanakuk kamp is just like the rest of the organizations/business' out there. They have learned the hard way, the changes they need to make to make their organization better and safer.
Your children will be safe at kamp. I have no doubt--
In response to 6:27 and 9:55
The answers I was referring to had nothing to do with details, nor would I be so self consumed to think I needed information regarding specifics related to the victims or anything that would jeopardize their privacy. I was referring to questions that I had regarding camp policy and the way it was enforced which directly effected my own son who was allowed to spend time outside of camp with Pete, one on one, DURING his camp term. Yes, I did talk to my son about this issue and the answers I got from him are what prompted me to ask the questions I did so that I could make an informed decision regarding allowing him to return. So forgive me if based on that information and the lack of honest answers I was not willing to just "blindly trust" camp leadership with my children again until I got some honest answers. And yes I understand they have to protect themselves legally, but it is disappointing to me that they would do so at the expense of families who have been effected and while I will not be sending my kids back I pray that camp and everyone hurt by this will all come out stronger on the other side.
9:55, they have it. So do authorities. So do a few others.
Yes, I am a parent of a victim and as far as my family goes, the answer is "yes", Joe White is in touch with us on a weekly basis by phone and daily basis via prayer.
To 8:26.
If they have it, how vital is it? If it is damaging, it will be released, if not, it's just an anonymous blogger saying it's so. I don't mean to be rude or hateful, but it's just getting so old hearing about what may or may not have happened years ago. What we do know(based on police reports) is what has landed Pete in jail and for that he will be in a courtroom facing judgement and sentencing. So, I for one, don't really care about what might have been, but rather am concentrating on what we know for certain.
What I have to say will upset some and for that I am sorry. I believe Pete is guilty for every single thing he is accused of--I actually know it to be true, unfortunatly. I know he must face the consequense of his crime and prison is where he must be sent. But I also remember the side of Pete that those of us on this blog knew. He was a man with a heart for telling kids about Jesus. Yes, he did horrible things to a number of kids, but he did lead hundreds of kids to love the Lord. We could go back and forth on the good and the bad that came from Pete, but all I really want to say is this.
Pete is a child of God. He has a mother and a father and brothers. He has a wife and daughter and people who used to call him one of their closest friends. He has probably stood up for more people in their wedding than anyone I know. All of these people have lost a little something inside of them. And that is sad--no matter what it is a loss, that runs deep. So for a moment, I ask you to sit back and if you knew Pete, remember something good. Smile, laugh and even cry. We will never understand how this could have happened, and we will never forget, but eventually maybe some of us can forgive (just a little). As I said, I know many of you will find this ridiculous and I validate you. I really do, but for today, I am just remembering the man I knew and appreciated. He is sitting in a jail cell where he should be and needs to stay for a long time, but I'm sorry, I miss him.
Remember the good that Pete did, really????? All the good he did was to hide and mask the horrible, evil individual he is. He had an agenda which is why he placed himself in a position with so many kids. He put together all these "boys ministries" knowing all along what his goal was. We need to all realize that none of us ever really knew him!!!! Even his own wife who lived with him didn't know him!!!!!!!! To remember the facade he created is to remember something that never really was! It was not him!!!!
7:56, you miss "him".....I am sorry, but the "him" you thought you knew was fictional. You will begin to heal when you accept that he was never what you thought he was.
7:56, With all due respect, you have a long way to go. Please get yourself into some Christian therapy. The "good" you think he did was a part of his grooming of these little children. It was phony. It was deception at its finest. If you don't realize this, then you may fall victim again. The Word tells us to use discernment and to "be alert." Learn from this deceiver. He was/is Satan's handiwork.
Also remember that God spoke through an ass in the bible. It was still an ass. Truth is truth, no matter who says it. BUT IT IS BLASPHEMY WHEN USED TO SEXUAL SODOMIZE IN THE NAME OF CHRIST!!!!!!!!!
"With all due respect" we could go back and forth all day quoting different bible verses. I respect where everyone is coming from here. I didn't mean to upset anyone with my earlier post @7:56, I just said what was on my heart. I Don't feel like i need therapy because I am willing to remember some of the good memories I share of Pete. I pray for the victims and their parents daily. I also pray for Pete. I will just leave it at that.
8:52
I find it interesting that you say your comments were not intended to upset anyone...when you began your comments at 7:56 with "What I will have to say will upset some...." You obviously knew your comments would be polarizing. You are certainly due your opinions...but, at least own them and recognize them for what they are.
How does anyone here know that Pete is a "child of God"? Anyone can claim and even speak God's truth from the Bible and not belong to Him. Pete's long-term sin ought to be enough to question if He really "belonged" to Him. Read I John 3 for clarification. To be a believer means a "belief" that results in a CHANGED life. I know only God can really know Pete's heart in this deal, but please don't treat this as if it's just occasional sin. This was a methodical plan to victimize my son and dozens of others. Maybe in prison he can truly face the depths of his sin and find REAL repentance.
and lets not forget that he didn't turn himself in or go to a trusted friend to confess his struggles. Pete got caught!!!! He had told these kids never to tell their parents or anyone because no one would understand. For years he got away with it and continued to groom children. Even after he was let go at camp last March he continued to place himself in a position to speak to children. He got caught and that is not the sign of a child of God repentent of his sin.
6:42 and 3:40: You are exactly correct. He called victims during this past summer, he spread lies about "why" he "left" Kanakuk, he at least tried to speak at some different youth conferences (until they were called and alerted that their speaker was being investigated for sex crimes againt children), lied to Katie and the Newman and Galloway families about the severity of what was coming against him, still has not come clean with them (I know them so this is factual), and has continued in "I have nothing to hide-mode" ever since last March.......BUT THE TRUTH IS THE TRUTH, and the darkness is revealed once subjected to the Light....And here we are....thankfully. None of this was started by a contrite Pete. He's been on the run with his continued lies. But now he's caught. Now he's where he belongs. Let's just hope that all authorities realize that they can be played at any time by him. He got here by being such a manipulator! He's evil and I hope everyone can see that now.
5:03. I agree with your comments. I can't help but be curious. This is the first I have heard that Pete contacted any of his victims over the summer. Do you any more you can elaborate on this subject? Was he continuing the "act" or was he preparing them for the "truth?" I am just curious, since I thought he had no contact with anyone from Kanakuk since March. Thanks for any light you can shed.
5:24, If his mouth is open, it's lying. He's always acting.
It's been reported by the parents of the kids that were contacted before original filing. He was trying to cover himself by trying to convince some not to talk. He really believed he could get away with this.
Thursday Feb. 18. Pete Newman plead guilty to 8 counts in Missouri, Taney County Courthouse. He will be sentenced at the end of April. There will NOT BE A TRIAL. Let the healing begin...
As angry as I am at Pete, and as relieved as I am that he has finally done the right thing and these victims can begin the journey of healing, my heart is grieving for Katie, Riley, his mom, dad, brothers. They didn't ask for this! It's just devastating in every way. One individual who had the opportunity to impact so many in a positive way, instead made choices that have crushed the hearts and minds of thousands. My heart hurts.
With Pete pleading guilty yesterday, does anyone know what will happen with the Colorado charge?
Will he also have to go to Colorado before the sentencing is done in Missouri, will Colorado wait until after the sentencing, or will they drop the charge altogether?
I couldn't agree more with 4:37. The devestation of this situation doesn't start and stop with just impacted families. Impacted families might as well include the Newman and Galloway families. My heart aches for all of them. A 4 year old child lost her father in all of this. Pray for them all.
From what I understand (and if you like, you can call Taney county for more info.)there will be no movement on the Colorado charges until Taney county is finished (4/30). Other states can then decide if they want to move forward or drop charges. It will most likely be contingent on the type of sentence he receives from Mo.
I am a former Kanakuk mom. I've already spoken to law enforcement, and have been quoted in the media previously. I am a writer, journalist, but most importantly a Christian. This entire situation makes me sick.
To address some of the earlier comments, yes, the camp knew, or should have known there were issues with Newman going back several years. My daughter returned from K-Kountry her last year reporting that there was something wrong with Newman. I asked a lot of questions, and two days after we returned to Dallas, she told me, "Pete is gay." I told her how serious a claim that was, and she recounted numerous instances when Newman isolated boys in the woods. She was only 10, and yet she knew.
One of the boys she knew, as he was on the bus the first year she attended. He is from Dallas, and no matter what anyone wants to think, there are more victims out there.
I called the camp and spoke to two different staffers. My cell phone records back this up. I reported my daughter's observations as delicately but honestly as I could. I was told they would look into it, and get back to me. I was shocked the following day when I received a return call. They had "investigated" my daughter's complaints and wanted me to know that her counselors and Newmand felt "she didn't have a heart for Christ." They went on to detail how my daughter wasn't into sports enough to make it another year at Kanakuk. That's funny, my husband is a former college athlete, his father was a 1st round NBA draft pick, and she's been involved in Upward and a variety of sports her entire life. But, whatever.
I asked, "Okay, you've got an opinion about my child, but what about Pete?" I was then lectured, much like the admonishment on this blog about starting rumors. They also asked "if" we attended church, ever.
The camp knew. I know they knew. My complaint came well after 2001. If anything, it should have been a "second strike" for some further investigation, but instead they diminished my daughter.
I was furious when I got the email from Joe White. I called Kanakuk and told them about my call to the camp three (now four) summers ago. "That just doesn't sound like something we would say," is what I was told.
I would NEVER, ever send my child there again, and I would strongly encourage others, based on the FACTS of how they have handled this entire situation to re-think Kanakuk for their children. There are numerous other faith-based camps and activities in which our kids can participate.
Biblical law protects two classes in society: the very old, and the very young. Kanakuk needs to get very real and very honest about what has happened.
I'm writing this on March 2, 2010. Newman has plead guilty. I'm not interested in any more hand-wringing over all the "ifs." This is now an "is." Right now, this is about justice and punishment, for the sake of the victims, and to remove this blight from society.
Newman sought to deceive everyone around him, but he cannot hide from the Lord. It's senseless to speculate on "if" he's a Christian or not. The Lord will take care of his ever-after. Right now, we need to focus on punishment.
Each of his victims will serve a life sentence in their own right. I'm good with 171 years.
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