Either former Kanakuk Kamps director Pete Newman was using an unfortunate bit of hyperbole or perhaps he was flaunting illicit activities in 2008. In a June 18, 2008, entry, the blog The Go-Go Chronicles, written by a mother with children who attended the camp, wrote the following:
We arrived at Kamp on Thursday afternoon for closing ceremonies and she was waiting for us. She thinks she is ready for a month now. She LOVES it! For those who have not experienced Kanakuk, save your money, give up vacation, whatever you have to do to make it possible for your kids to go. It is an amazing experience. It is an opportunity to have so much crazy fun and get the kids to see that being a Christian is so cool. The counselors are all super cool and cute college students who have it all together. As Pete Newman, the director of K-Kountry put it, "your kids are going to follow and admire older kids. Why not have it be a really cool Christian kid? Maybe if your lucky your kids will just get so caught up with the excitement that they [the cool counselors] will just suck your kids right up to heaven."Newman, of course, is free on bond awaiting trial on charges of statutory sodomy and enticement of a child, all involving underage boys.
The details of the crimes were noted in this passage from the Nov. 16 Turner Report:
The allegations against Newman were outlined in Taney Count court documents.
From the Sheriff's Department's investigative report:
"Between 2005 and 2008, Pete Newman became a close friend of his by attending family dinners, sleepovers, bible studies, taking vacations together and writing letters.
Pete would hold one-on-one sessions with (the boy) in Pete's hot tub (at Pete's residence) and would request they be naked. Pete would discuss life's struggles with (him) and talk about masturbation.
Pete would explain that if (the boy) would masturbate with him in his hot tub then there would be no lust and therefore (the boy) would not be sinning."
The boy told Roberts he and Newman masturbated together 10 times over a four-year period.
The sex went further than masturbation with another teenager, according to the report. After beginning with the masturbation sessions with the 13-year-old, the report said, "Pete started masturbating (the boy) and (the boy) would then masturbate Pete." That led to oral sex when the boy turned 15.
Newman allegedly used the hot tub trick on a 14-year-old, again resulting in mutual masturbation sessions.
When the Sheriff's Department began contacting former campers from other states, they heard more disturbing stories. Parents from Tennessee told the deputy their son, who was 14 at the time, reported engaging in the same type of activity with Newman.
Roberts described Newman's tactics, saying Newman became close to boys aged 11 to 15, hung out with them, gained their parents' trust, then beginning slowly with the hot tub and leading to sexual experiences. Roberts referred to it as "the grooming process" used by sexual offenders.
37 comments:
IS the court date still the 21st? Thursday?
Yes the court date is this Thursday at 10:30 am in Judge Orr's courtroom at the Taney County Courthouse.
Probably just as bad is the talk he had in Branson in 2006 titled " How to Receive Underwear Dancing Joy" I guess his little truth or dare games with little boys in his underwear in hotel rooms ( as noted by one victim in the 2nd legal complaint) carried over into his community presentations.
What will happen at this hearing on the 21st? Any chance he will plea?
He can plead guilty at any time and save the boys and his family the long, horrible details during a trial. It is the ONLY right thing to do at this point...but his past choices don't indicate that he will do the right thing any time soon...still we can pray for a guilty plea.
Will the actual trial start this Thursday or will it just be a hearing with more motions, etc..?
I agree he probably won't enter a guilty plea but a plea bargain arrangement would certainly spare the boys having to testify against him in the court. Hopefully the prosecution will make his jail term at least 40 yrs. I am sure there are tons of other boys who have not come forward yet - and Pete knows it - so better for him to make a deal now than wait for more charges.
No the trial does not start this Thursday. Pete will make an appearance and the judge will probably rule on the change of venue motion. The prosecution will ask for a trial date and the defense will probably ask for another appearance...just stalling to keep Pete out of prison as long as possible...trying to wear out the kids and their families...but all this will do is strengthen their resolve to see this sick pedophile put behind bars so he can NEVER hurt another child.
This case won't go to trial for at least another six to nine months.
I don't expect Newman to get much jail time....maybe 5 years. And that will probably be whittled to shock time as he has no previous record.
Kathee,
Being deeply involved in this case, I have to tell you respectfully, that you are way off base regarding your predictions. Not are there the charges already filed, but there are boys lined up to add to those if necessary. Posting that you think he will only get five years is not responsible or even accurate reporting. Look up how much time EACH current charge carries. Other states are waiting to see what happens here in Missouri, as well.
If he gets 5 years, I will literally not stop contacting O'Reilly until this gets national media attention! I sure hope Kathee is wrong...
Why hasn't this case been brought into national attention - due to the severity of the crimes against children? I am surprised Nancy Grace and O'Reilly are not all over this already. Maybe that's what is needed - in order to put pressure on the defendant to get this over with. ARe all the parents of Kanakuk kids keeping the lid on this in order for their kids to keep living the fantasy Kanakuk moments? To protect Kanakuk? I wouldn't want the boys to go through more shame or embarrassment but what will it take to get this man behind bars for the max amount of time. Pressure from the masses can be a good thing.....
By the way...Kathee where are you getting your information on the jail time and the start of the trial?
Kathee is just speculating...nobody really knows how this will all play out, including the victims and their families. We wait and wait for the judicial process to move forward, but believe me...NOBODY is backing down, especially not the boys who are putting themselves out there to protect other children and keep this from happening again!!!! You can find information on Case.net but we all just have to wait for the next step. This is a blog so you will get a lot of people giving opinions...check news sites to see what happens Thursday.
I hate to bring up this point, but it was this blog that first broke the story of Pete Newman's arrest, well before the traditional media had any idea it had occurred. Just because something is written on a blog is not a reason to discount its authenticity, any more than you should believe everything that is released by the traditional media.
Randy,
That may be true, but Kathee making statements about how much prison time Newman will get is pure speculation...she does not have privileged information regarding the case and needs to follow it through the judicial system like everyone else.
Randy
Thanks for the information on this case. From what I can tell you are the only source of updates...wonder why none of the papers, even in St. Louis, Kansas City and Dallas ( where all the campers come from) are not following this story? Your thoughts?
I don't really believe that anyone has been keeping it away from the major media. It is just a story that has apparently slipped through the cracks. I still would not be surprised if, at some point, at least some portion of the national media latches onto this story.
12:44 - If you don't want a light sentence to be the outcome...then pressure and attention should be brought to this case NOW. Not after the trial and sentencing...too late then.
I agree - How do we go about bringing attention to this case at this point? Should individuals start contacting the press/media to get the story out there? Will this harm the boys in any way that are testifying against Pete?
If you were one of the boys involved in the case do you think YOU would want more attention? How about if one of the boys was YOUR son? Please, everyone...let the justice system work and quit trying to stir things up!! The boys need your prayers...not Nancy Grace talking about them on TV.
In reference to your comments about the language Pete Newman used during a closing ceremony, I think you are really trying to bring the entire Kanakuk organization down with Pete Newman. Let us not forget that this is one man. The counselors at Kanakuk did not have anything to do with this disgusting behavior. The counselors truly are amazing young men and women that are completely horrified by this. Let's don't "reach" for things to report on. You might think it's funny, but for those of us living this nightmare, trust me it's not. Pete Newman committed this crime, no one else. Unfortunately we trusted him and that will haunt us as parents. But let's not bring down the 84 year old organization that has helped bring so many young boys and girls to Christ. To the person that said we "just want our kids to keep living the Kanakuk dream" or something like that, yes, you are right. Because Kanakuk is good. Pete is bad. The assumption that Kanakuku knew what was going on is so stupid. Do you think directors that have their own small children would be co-directing with him and allowing him to stay if they knew. The staff has their own small children and teenagers that are at kamp too. They would not allow their OWN kids to be around a pedophile! It's just ludicrous! You act like everyone there was "in on it" or something. Please stop attacking the camp and keep the blame where it belongs. And that is with Pete Newman!!
I totally agree with the poster at 6:38. Until the Pete Newman situation, Kanakuk has had a sterling reputation for over 80 years. And, rightfully so.
As for bringing this ordeal to the attention of the national media, what good would that do? The local people, families of the boys and the entire Kanakuk family are all outraged at Pete's crimes. That should be pressure enough on our judicial system to do the right thing.
National attention won't get Pete any more time in prison, and it can do harm to the boys and their families, along with Kanakuk. Why punish them when it's Pete who needs to be punished?
Why is awareness needed in any sort of wrong doing or injustice? To protect possible future victims from being victimized by someone such as Pete Newman. Do you think Pete Newman is the only pedophile using kids camps to find his victims? Absolutely not! Parents need to be aware that this is where pedophiles lurk...where the children are...places such as camps (christian or non-christian), churches, schools, daycare, scouting groups, organized youth sports. The need for awareness is why many victims of child molestation, rape, abuse, etc. so selflessly speak of what they went through to help others and hopefully prevent it from happening to just one other person. Keeping quiet is understandable, but not in the best interest of society as a whole. I would not judge any victim or their family for trying to "keep a lid" on this story...but, I would also commend and applaud the brave ones who chose to spend their life educating others to the reality that their are many, many more Pete Newman's in the world...and we should be on the look out for them.
The evidence that Joe White knew and did not act, is present. No one should send their kids to kamp. It's outrageous that parents would allow their children to go back, when a cover up happened for over 10 years.
Shut them down! Lock Pete up and throw away the key. Perhaps he could share a cell with Joe White.
6:42 - Where can this evidence be found that Joe White had knowledge of Pete's behavior and covered it up? Lots of parents want to know before they sign their kids up for this year. Please let parents know where to find this info!!!!
Just ask Joe White.
If anyone is at the hearing today please post asap any information. Thanks.
The last comment on this link is interesting.
http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2009/09/advertising-pete-newman-most-thorough.html
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)
Anon 6:42, Where is your evidence that Joe White knew. Oh that's right, you don't have any!! You are another one of those people speculating trying to stir the pot. Of course you have no evidence of a cover up because it doesn't exist. Everyone that claims this NEVER follows up with proof! It's truly amazing. It's almost like it's your goal to bring down this camp that is a warrior for Christ!
8:28
The fact that K-Kountry had a meeting with all male counselors in 2001 and disclosed that a parent accused Pete of abusing their son is proof that camp was informed. In court there were several moms who said they had complained to camp years ago about Pete's inappropriate behavior with their boys. Hmmmmmmmmm
8:28 There IS documented proof out there in the hands of the authorities. Don't be so naive.
4:35, you are exactly right. It WAS impossible to connect with Pete. As a former staffer, I can attest to that. I knew something was wrong with Pete, but how do you tell that to an entire kamp that loves him?
Working on the girls side, I can offer some additional insight. Katie struggled with Pete's lack of attention and affection. Pete's brother, Mike, and Mike's wife worked at K-Kountry as well. Mike was always scooping his wife up in his arms whenever he got the chance and showing her (kamp-appropriate) affection. Katie never got that. Whenever Katie expressed this to the other women at kamp, everyone just referred to him as a "guy's guy" and shrugged it off as Pete's personality. When I heard this news, I wasn't surprised. I saw how he treated (and downright ignored) Katie. I got the creepy vibe from him. I love Kanakuk with my whole heart, and Joe White doesn't deserve this kind of negativity. Pete Newman is a con-man with absolutely no soul, and has built a life on lies and destruction. I can only hope he gets what he deserves in prison.
Anyone ever see the "Man Fairy" skit/video. Not many questions after that. He was simply flaunting it in front of everyone. He thought he was so far ahead of everyone that he could do anything he wanted. He played everyone for fools.
Sorry Pete, someone had the nerve to stand up. Now everyone knows, and you are exposed for who you are.
YES the man fairy skit. That was the last summer he was at camp. And it really gave me the creeps. It was funny but I remember thinking how it was weird and inappropriate. He was a "man pixie". That's just weird. And I was a big fan of Pete's I hate to admit. But I really thought it was strange.
This is a terrible tragedy for all the families involved! Pete was abused the same way these boys were. The difference is his victims told! We need to open the doors and teach prevention to our children! To empower our children at a young age is the same as teaching them about running across a street. Most abuse is someone a child know and thinks is a safe person. To heal; band together and get laws past to incorporate this teaching in our schools, well check up visits, and pre natal teaching during pregnancy to empower parents and children! We need to stop this!
This is a terrible tragedy for all the families involved! Pete was abused the same way these boys were. The difference is his victims told! We need to open the doors and teach prevention to our children! To empower our children at a young age is the same as teaching them about running across a street. Most abuse is someone a child know and thinks is a safe person. To heal; band together and get laws past to incorporate this teaching in our schools, well check up visits, and pre natal teaching during pregnancy to empower parents and children! We need to stop this!
My sons went to K-Kountry for 5 years with Pete - the single most dynamic Christian speaker that I ever heard.
Pete had a different "character" each year that he would play, a big baby, a jungle boy, a man-pixie, etc. ... all the parents saw it and expected something very funny and entertaining out of Pete. Harmless fun. You would have laughed along too.
The "suck you into heaven" quote is taken way out of context. It was part of a "sermon" Pete taught using the illustration of racing bicycles and "drafting" behind the racers in front of you ... which "sucks you up behind the rider in front of you" and, in essence, pulling you across the finish line. I was there - I am not in denial that Pete committed many heinous crimes - but I do not think that he was cleverly using the word "suck" in the manner that you are alluding to. Pete was a master story teller, drawing an audience in like few others that I have ever heard.
It is because of Pete's great influence over my sons that I am now dealing with a great deal of anger and bitterness toward Pete, and, if it is true that the Camp had notice of any kind of Pete's behavior, I will probably burn with rage against the camp that knowingly allowed me to place my sons in Pete's care without warning me.
If the camp knew, then all persons who knew of the situtaion and chose to protect Pete over the precious children in that camp should be terminated immediately - including Joe White if he had reason to know of Pete's behavior. There should have been a ZERO TOLERANCE for any improper touching or conversation.
The two-deep leadership model of the boy scouts should be implemented immediately (for the protection of the kids and of the adults/counselors who could be falsely accused ... i.e. I would never work around kids without another adult witness to prove that any accusations were false).
If steps like this are not implemented, it will demonstrate that my faith in the leadership of Kanakuk was misplaced.
God, please deliver me from my anger and bitterness toward Pete and take the situation into your hands.
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