The next hearing in the felony sex case against former Kanakuk Kamp director Pete Newman is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday before Judge Mark Orr in Taney County Circuit Court.
Newman is charged with numerous felonies involving sex with underage boys.
More information about this case can be found at this link.
47 comments:
Randy, what is supposed to happen this Thursday at the hearing?
Are all these hearings just a ploy to keep it from trial...or, to keep Pete out of prison for as long as possible?
This is moving along at about the same pace as most Missouri cases. I would expect that we might get a trial date set tomorrow. If not, it should definitely be set at the next hearing.
Is there any way to watch the hearing from our computers?
The hearing is not televised and honestly even if you are there it is difficult to hear the judge and attorneys. It won't last very long and more than likely the only thing that will happen is a ruling on the change of motion which is a given in a county the size of Taney County. The only other thing that is likely to happen is the the prosecution will ask for a trial date to be set and the defense will probably ask for another appearance for Newman next month. It will last less than 10 minutes. You never know though...Newman could always decide to do the right thing and plead guilty. But this is unlikely considering his past decisions.
Don't count on Newman doing the right thing. Bluffing is his finest skill.
I am a parent of two kids who are multiple year campers. My son attended K-Kountry when Pete was there and developed a really close relationship with Pete although he swears there was no inappropriate behavior with him. I am struggling with seperating Pete's behavior from the good work that so many other leaders at Kanakuk do and allowing my son to return to Kanakuk which he really wants to do. I have two questions that I am wondering if anyone can help me get answers to. I have read in various blogs that Kamp leadership had knowledge that Pete was exhibiting inappropriate behavior several years ago and chose to just reprimand him instead of removing his access to kids. Secondly, I have read that Joe White supported a pilot that worked for him when he was convicted of molesting his own daughter, but can not find any information on line regarding this case. I have not been able to get any answers on these two issues from camp and it is really important in my decision to try to determine if there is a pattern of turning their back on this issue by camp leadership or if it is truly on the shoulders of Pete Newman and camp leadership had NO idea. Does anyone have any ideas where I can turn to get answers to these questions?
Ask Joe White.
The pilot you are asking about is part of my family, his name is Robert John Morgan. Joe defended him at his trial and said he would trust him with his kids. He is now in jail at least until 2014. If you need anymore information to help you out, let me know. We won't have Joe defending pedophiles anymore. If you need more info, email debmorgan1@yahoo.com
4:23-- Joe is actually travelling with Kanakuk Winter Trail right now. Before the Kamp Films night he is hosting a parent Q and A regarding Pete. I am sure they'll be coming to your area and you would have a chance to talk to Joe then. I have also heard that every Kamp Director is calling all current Kamp families to address concerns and ask questions.
I have been following this all along. I, too, am a Kanakuk parent. My son was at K-Kountry with Pete years ago, when Pete was director... it has rattled me completely. My son, too, insists he had no time with Pete what so ever. As we left camp, it was ME who pulled my young son over for pictures with Pete before we left. It's chilling to look at my adorable sweet son in the arms of a pedophile at my own request. We have thrown the pics, and postcards from Pete away. My world has been rocked, as I was sexually abused as a child and only through God have been able to heal from those scars. We still have one daughter at Kanakuk age, and she believes it is the BEST place on earth. Our family is in turmoil over our upcoming decision. My husband believes we should trust that there will never be harm in her attending... and she cries over the thought of it being ruined all because of some man she never knew. (She is at a different Kamp.) My husband insists security standards will only be all the stronger, and my daughter relays she's had the best experiences there these last two years and nothing negative has ever gone on. I'm stuck. I do not know what to do. I agreed to do the enrollment process, because we can back out. Our decision is on hold. I just need to understand more. This is torturous to me... it's every parent's worst nightmare, and for me, with my history... I just feel like I've been put in the most awful spot with my daughter. I find myself almost wishing the place would get shut down... but then I carry guilt for even entertaining that thought. Kanakuk has been a tremendous place for so many kids for many years. But trust has been demolished for me.
I can certainly understand why some parents have serious concerns about their kids returning to kamp. The despicable actions of Pete Newman have repercussions far beyond the lives he traumatized of the people that he directly committed crimes against.
In hindsight, it appears that kamp leadership was too easily dismissive of concerns raised about Pete prior to finding out about his crimes. They also may not have handled everything perfect once they found out about Pete.
But as the father of three kids who have been to kamp a total of 17 years, I have absolutely no hesitation about our kids going back to kamp this summer. I don't know Joe White as a friend, have never met Pete Newman and am not just a blind supporter of Kakakuk. Rather, I know how much that place has impacted my kids' lives for the better and how there is no place on the planet where they'd rather be.
Yes, Pete Newman is sick. Yes, it's tragic it went on for too long. But, for us, one person's actions don't negate the awesome work done by thousands of college students and full-time staff who spend their lives giving everything they have to make a positive impact on our kids at kamp. To me, the bigger tragedy would be to let this one person destroy everything that has happened at Kanakuk that has been so positive.
I think Joe White and the leadership have implemented policies and procedures which will make kamp safer and make it much more difficult for any future person to do things that would be so harmful.
For our family, we are looking at the decades of life-changing ministry and fully supporting Kanakuk. Simply, I'm not going to let some sick person ruin what has been the favorite thing our kids have ever done, something that has made a difference in their lives and is the highlight of their year.
That doesn't mean I'm happy with all of the decisions Joe and his team have made, nor does it mean they get a free pass. But I'll let their overall track record of ministry trump the actions of a sicko.
I'm not saying anyone deciding not to send their kids to kamp is wrong. You've got to do what you feel is right for your family. But I fully anticipate that when we pick up our kids this summer that they'll tell us it was the best two weeks they ever had, just like they do every year. It would be such a shame to have them miss that.
5:07 - I completely and whole-heartedly agree. As a former Kanakuk Kamper, I had 2 years of interaction with Pete and all I can remember are found memories of how fun and awesome he was. Still, Kanakuk wasn't just Pete. It was the thousands upon thousands that poured their lives into this ministry. After K Kountry, I went on for 6 more years to other various Kamps and it was always the highlight of my summer. I fully intend to send my kids to Kamp once my wife and I have children who are old enough. I fully expect those summers to be some of the best summers of their lives.
Continue to pray for Pete as he is sick and needs healing and redemption, just like the rest of us. He is just a man - a man in need of forgiveness. As he goes to trial today, I would say pray for him, his family and friends, and especially the family and friends of the boys who must face their pasts and testify (if it comes to that). Jesus is more than enough for all of them.
I think that there is A LOT that we still do not know.
This is just an approximate 10 minute hearing today - a chance for Pete to, once again, sinfully plea not guilty and continue in his lie of a life. It is another delay tactic by Pete's defense. A coward's journey. We will probably be waiting well into this year for the trial, right, Randy?
Pete can only receive forgiveness and redemption if he is seeking it. To me, his not continued guilty pleas with numerous young men standing in line waiting to courageously share their similar stories, is not even close to repentance.
Read Psalm 51. Now, that is repentance. David was quick and forthcoming - of course not perfect, but broken hearted for his actions. He didn't lawyer up - he owned up. God redeemed him.
As far as continuing to send children to Kanakuk...we each have to very careful and prayerful with that decision and listen to the Lord's leading - not just our beliefs or understanding of the situation to date.
Kanakuk does not equal Pete. Kanakuk is great. Pete is a shame.
An important question is "WHAT IS KANAKUK DOING TO PROSECUTE THIS PEDOPHILE?" ARE THEY HIRING INVESTIGATORS, ATTORNEYS, AND SUCH TO AID THE PROSECUTION?" THIS HAPPENED ON THEIR WATCH, RIGHT UNDER THEIR NOSE, AFTER ADEQUATE WARNING SIGNS......SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN BRINGING THEIR GUY TO JUSTICE.
For the sake of all the questions and doubts and lack of trust, like mentioned by K-parents above, THEY SHOULD BE VERY PROACTIVE IN LEADING THIS PROSECUTION so that people don't just think they're sitting passively by, hoping this will all go away, but doing nothing to right this wrong.
It is not Kanakuk's job to investigate or prosecute these crimes...that is the job of the prosecuting attorney of Taney County and he is doing a great job working with the families and kids involved. Kamp is supporting and standing with the families appropriately. It is difficult for everyone involved to know exactly what to do. Kamp is trying to be sensitive to the boys and protect their privacy but rest assured they are praying and supporting the families and victims as they walk through the legal process.
Yes, it is the Prosecutor's job, but they must have MUCH to offer him in the way of physical evidence, conversations, testimonials from many many people, etc. that would be of help in convicting this guy. They could hire investigators to explore the past, interview campers, and other investigators could be looking into his actions since March 2009 when he was fired. There seems to many many stones to look under and the camp could surely offer resources to help in that.
@5:49 & 6:07 (presumably you're the same person), it is definitively NOT Kanakuk's job to hire "investigator's and attorneys". Kanakuk's ONLY responsibility with regards to the prosecution of Pete is to be as helpful and as forthcoming with whatever information is requested by the police investigators and prosecutors as they can. How in the world is it helpful for Kanakuk to run their own parallel investigation??? Jeeeez....
@5:57: Well said.
Also, @6:07 - Exactly what kind of "phyisical evidence" do you think Kanakuk has "much of"? Yuck.
It's time for you to turn off CSI: Branson my friend.
I agree that K should be offering their resources to assist in this prosecution. Not doing their own. But doing more than merely cooperating by answering questions. A proactive role would put many K parents more at ease. PROACTIVE. I think that's what these people are saying. OBVIOUSLY, a parallel-investigation would be stupid.
Physical evidence could be computer records, phone records, written notes, hard drives, records from hotels where Pete stayed, etc. Physical evidence could mean lots of different things.
The Pilot was Robert John Morgan he is serving a 25 year sentence in South Central Correctional Center, his offender # 1116463. Joe White let him stay at Kanakuk in a cabin , knowing he was an admitted sexual offender and he defended him in the court, just like he apparently is doing wit Pete. Joe is a mandated reporter and should have turned John in, not provided him shelter. Joe is not above the law.
Anyone have any info from the hearing today?
We had a very close relationship with Pete Newman. And there is NO WAY in the world I'm going to let that man ruin Kanakuk Kamps for our family. That would be just tragic!! My boys all have such a fondness for that place at all the campuses and we let Satan bring it down, that would be such a sad day for our boys. They love that place. One man in 84 years? I'm sending mine back this summer to cement those memories and make our boys realize that Kanakuk was never about Pete Newman. It's about Jesus Christ. And they are never closer to Christ than when we pick them up from Kanakuk. We going back!
Unless things have changed Joe White is defending Pete. I was contacted by attorneys representing the families of the victims and told he was defending Pete just as he defended John Morgan.
To the poster damorgan who said Joe was defending Pete. Because of your name, it would seem you are related in some way to John Morgan.
How did the attorneys who conatcted you say Joe was defending Pete?
I just can't see how Joe could possibly do that, even if his compassionate side wanted to.
With all the outcry against Pete, that would most certainly pull the plug on Kanakuk. I know Joe wouldn't risk the camp.
Is there an update on today's hearing. Is it true that Pete was arrested and put in jail without bond? I hear he is in jail in taney county and being held without bail....
Any person bashing Kanakuk kamp or Joe White, does NOT know Kanakuk or Joe White. What you need is a LIFE.
http://crimesceneinvestigations.blogspot.com/2010/01/peter-newman-arrested-on-colorado.html
Joe White is a godly man who sincerely loves these children. Whatever happened with this pilot is a different situation. It has nothing to do with the peterproblem. Joe White is an honest, decent, good, God-fearing, responsible, man. Get off his back b/c you have no idea what you're talking about. Shame on you.
What??? Pete was arrested again today?? No bond?? What??? Can someone explain what happened??
Randy, what can you tell us about this arrest? And what can you tell us about the MO cases? Any new charges in MO?
In response to Damorgan @ 11:24. I don't know where you are coming from. There are no "attorneys for the victims or their families." I know this because I am the mother of a victim. Sure, maybe one victim/family has hired an attorney and perhaps they even contacted you, but you are misreprenting the situation. Joe White has gone above and beyond to support our son and our family. He has done his job with the investigators and reporting the infromation that he has been given. I am sorry for what happened in your situation with John Morgan, but please don't blame Joe White for Pete Newman's actions. And please don't speak for the victims or their families. Thank You.
I find the last comment posted on this link below very interesting.
http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2009/09/advertising-pete-newman-most-thorough.html
I agree with the poster at 2:24...we are also victims and do not have an attorney. We are not planning on trying to gain anything financially in this deal. We are all part of the body of Christ and are trying to walk through this together...WITH Kamp. Please respect the victims and don't say things that you don't know are factual.
Thank you so much to the two people who are families of two of the victims who had the courage to post what they did. Your example is admirable. How you are dealing the hurt you must feel and not blaming Joe and others is inspiring.
So.... regarding the "Pilot" who is in a correctinal facility today... who is he? Did he work for Kanakuk? Because I have a friend in law enforcement who shared with my family that Pete's situation is NOT Kanakuk's first pedophile problem. I am told there was another situation years ago, of someone from Texas who worked at Kamp and is currently serving time for his crimes. I believe the crimes he was caught for actually occurred in Texas, but he was a Kanakuk employee at the time. Is this the "pilot" being spoken of here?..... or is that yet another situation?
If I remember correctly from past posts - the pilot was Joe's pilot, and he was accused of abusing his granddaughter. During his trial, Joe testified in his defense saying that he would trust that man with his own grandchildren.
I want to set the record straight. I am John Morgans former wife. Joe White is my brother in christ, a man who has done great things for the kingdom, but he is not above error people! The facts are that Joe defended a known child molester in a Taney County court, while my daugher sat by and watched in horror as her hero was now defending her molester. Joe let John stay at camp knowing he had confessed to molesting several family members. Now it has happened at Kakakuk again! My concern is for those victims. I WAS contacted by attorneys representing some of the victims and told Joe was going to defend Pete, just as he did John. I have lived through this as a mother of a victim and I am outraged that this has happened again. Sexual abuse is horrific for these kids and families. John also pled not guily many times, calling my daughter a liar each time, and yet Joe STILL defended him. I dont care who you are, that is just wrong. God is a God of mercy, justice and truth. Not one over the other.
The pilot abused his daughter. He was Joe's pilot, and Joe defended him in court saying he would trust him with his own children. Which explained why he let him stay at Kanakuk before court.
So sure, I guess "shame" on me and my family because this is how Joe played out this same situation last time. What would you say in our situation? We have heard Joe was defending Pete in court, just like he did with his pilot, which has us worried.
I am grateful for all the kids Kanakuk has brought to Christ, I went myself for seven years. Don't think I would ever want to detract from that, but when you hear Joe is defending yet another pedophile, you would worry too. I know there is so much buzz going on with it and it's difficult to know who is really doing what in court, but that's what we have heard from realiable sources.
The pedophiles should A) Be forgiven and diligently prayed for and B) Sent to jail for their crimes. So again, don't call us out because we have seen this situation before, know how it played out before, are seeing it happen exactly the same way and are simply concerned.
Joe is not defending Pete in court. Unless you have been in court during this process, you don't have any factual evidence to back up your claims. Kamp is standing with the victims and their families!! The family that has an attorney is not participating in the criminal proceedings...we are talking about two very different things (civil action v. criminal). Kamp wants Pete to go to prison as much as the victims and their families. Please let the justice system work and continue to pray for EVERYONE involved.
9:43, your "reliable sources" are NOT reliable. Joe "defending Pete" is a lie. He has never been in court to defend Pete, and has assisted the prosecution every step of the way. Your sources are delusional. Start coming to court and see for yourself.
WHO is paying for his defense?
WHO will represent him in CO? Or pay for that?
WHO will represent/pay in all the other states lined up ready to charge him?
WHOEVER is paying is an accomplice to these tragedies. You know who you are. You are just as evil as the pedophile himself. You'd be wise to keep your identity hidden.
Nothing has happened in court that would make anyone aware if Joe White is or isn't defending Pete. Joe has yet to show up to one hearing. You would think he would have enough heart to know that being there would show the families of the victims he cares. We know he is busy flying around the country speaking to potential camp families about how safe it is at Kamp, etc. Why wasn't more done after they were notified by a parent in 2001? Families need answers as to WHY Pete was allowed to stay on. Seems like a serious enough accusation to just let it go when you are entrusted with thousands of kids every year.
To Pete's Parents:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE counsel your son to plead guilty so that this can be over.
PLEASE. He will NOT WIN by fighting this. You have no idea how much they have on him. It's over and he needs to go ahead and take it like a man.
Joe needs to support the victims and their families by sitting with them in court. It's time for him to show his face, and answer questions without all the filters, for the sake of his ministry, if not for the victims.
no...this is NOT kamp's first abuse situation. A former counselor, COrby Dale Grimes in is prison for molesting campers ....he molesting them not at camp but when visiting them during the school year. Kamp has sure kept this quiet. They REALLY need to come clean and be honest and stop hiding the fact Pete was warned several times about inappropriate behavior.
Corbie Dale Grimes molested me at Kanakuk in the early 80s. I was afraid to report it but I told other counselors he was weird and I felt uncomfortable with him. Also that camp had group showers back then. No privacy. Another thing they would do was the naked “tick checks.” So gross and wrong.
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