Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Kanakuk COO: We "pray for and support" Pete Newman's victims

Though it does not indicate how the statement came about, an article in the Branson Tri-Lakes News offers a statement from Kanakuk COO Doug Goodwin concerning tomorrow's sentencing of former camp director Pete Newman on felony sex charges:

“While we cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing criminal proceedings, we can tell you that we will continue to pray for and support those who have been affected by this abusive behavior,” Doug Goodwin, Kanakuk Kamps’ chief operating officer, said in a statement. “As we have said, the actions Pete Newman has admitted run counter to everything for which our ministry stands.”
Newman reportedly will have to spend at least five years in prison and will have to register as a sex offender when he is released. Newman pleaded guilty Feb. 18 to two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree, three counts of statutory sodomy in the second degree, and three counts of enticement of a child. All of the crimes involved underage boys. 


His sentencing was originally scheduled for April 30, but was postponed when a witness for the defense was unable to attend.


The case has received surprisingly little attention, despite the the prominence of Kanakuk Kamps, Newman's arrest in Colorado on similar sex charges and the possible filing of charges against Newman in other states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.


A KY3 Springfield report and video following Newman's arrest can be found at this link.


My thoughts on the lack of media coverage can be found in the May 23 Turner Report.



10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pete needs to be sentenced to life in prison for what he did.

Anonymous said...

Yes, he does.

Randy, PLEASE let us know what you find out as soon as you find out. Thousands of us across the country and at least a few overseas are waiting, and praying about this. If the media isn't going to cover, we need you.

Anonymous said...

Sentence him to what he (Pete) has sentenced his victim's to.

Anonymous said...

My over/under is 25 years. I think some will find that too lenient, considering his crimes and deception, but it will mean Pete gets out of prison in his 60s, and his daughter will be an adult. Justice is really important today.

Anonymous said...

My over/under is 50 years.

Anonymous said...

There needs to be a media blitz on talk shows with experts across the world educating the public on pedifiles, what causes them to become like this, symptoms to observe in suspected pedifiles as well as their victims, and how to be on guard to not become a victim, and the healing processes. This is a problem everywhere and not just at one camp!

Amanda Tackett said...

Perhaps my personal knowledge is affecting my judgement, but as to the Kanakuk statement...I feel Kanakuk needs to support the victims, not the other way around. The victims (dozens who are anonymous throughout this ordeal)are the ones we should focus on...Kanakuk will go on, but these boys will suffer for a lifetime. I will focus on justice for the victims and continue to pray for their strength.

Anonymous said...

@ 7:12 - That number seems right to me. *Right as in that's where the sentence will fall, not right as in it is just.

Anonymous said...

From what I understand Kanakuk could be in CYA mode. Did they harbor a profitable rainmaker for years even knowing what many and possibly their management suspected of their employee?

Anonymous said...

Pete got hammered in sentencing. Rightfully so. What is sad is that Kanakuk leadership was aware of inappropriate actions years in advance. They didn't protect the boys. They are very responsible. Their big cheese, Joe White needed to step up and own His part. He is quick to do receive the glory for the success, but is amazingly silent and invisible when things aren't so good. He needs to man up! It's a shame -there are so many good people who work for him. And we'll never know how many victims - many more than reported!