During his tearful statement at his Taney County Circuit Court sentencing today, former Kanakuk Kamp director Pete Newman
praised the Christian sports camp as "a lighthouse in my world."
In his statement, Newman called Kanakuk Camps a lighthouse in this world, and asked people not to blame the camp for the darkness he brought there.
The packed courtroom included Newman's family, grieving for both the victims and their brother and son, and Newman's victims and their families. All gathered together to hear the closing of one chapter in a painful journey.
Newman's brother asked that the judge trust the power of treatment - and the ability to control behaviors for a different life, as did the man himself. Newman himself said he'd like to be known for his redemption more than his sin. That redemption likely will have to come in prison, however.
Where can we read Newman's full statement from today in court? Thanks for the reporting, Randy.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I am going to be able to get his full statement, but as more accounts of the hearing are posted I will print excerpts and provide links.
ReplyDeleteIt was stated by kathee Baird in her blog that Pete's psychologist testified that he was aware of a situation at Kanakuk in 2003 where Newman signed a probationary agreement acknowledging sexual improprieties with young boys. If it was testified to in court guess there is no more denying it people. I have read on these blogs for weeks now while parents who have come forward and said camp knew something was not right and they had "counseled" him about it have been ripped to shreds for coming forward and not kneeling at the alter of Kanakuk. It does not get clearer than sexual improprieties with young boys. How could they keep him on staff, not to mention PROMOTE him to director where he had even more freedom with kids?!? Would someone like to explain that one since Kamp leadership won't address the issue??? It makes me sick that 2 YEARS after they had him sign a probationary agreement he was able to drive off camp property with my 11 year old son...ALONE...How does that happen?? Now that there has been some justice for these brave young men and their families, it is time for Kanakuk to answer the hard questions. Whose idea was it to continue to give him access to kids???How do you come to the decision to keep someone on staff who you have to counsel for sexual improprieties with kids??Does it come into the decision making at some point that the protection of innocent kids is more important than the bottom line...
ReplyDeleteIf I were in leadership, I would not want to be FORCED (i.e: Civil suits) into addressing the issues of 2001-2003. I would humbly tell what happened, and admit to mis-handling, say I was so sorry, and then let the chips fall where they may. Then, maybe then, people would show mercy and forgiveness and just drop it. But to follow the advice of attorneys and keep silent is going to force angry people into suing just to get their questions answered. SAD.
ReplyDelete4:39 regurgitated this same thing on several threads.... I think I will do the same.
ReplyDeleteKanakuk is damned if they say anything and damned if they dont. If they give any hint of responsibility in the situation then any blood thirsty lawyer will start a class action suit and recruit any person that Pete looked cross-eyed at as a victim. (I say that with no disrespect to the victims and family members.) Unfortunately the transparency that everyone is demanding will come along with a blank check, 70% made in the name of a lawyer.
If they remain silent then rumors become fact, assumption of motivations are made, and the mind readers become prophets.
Some are suggesting that they should confess a cover-up and let God work it all out... However this is the same God that allowed Pete to do all of the things he did. Faith and wisdom work well together.
Some are suggesting they actually tell the truth!
ReplyDeleteTruth is, we are all sinful and all have the potential to do aweful things. Sad to have such a darkness cover such an Eden of a camp...joy will come when he is no longer able to use God to manipulate young boys.
ReplyDeleteI met pete the first year I went to k-kountry. It was also later that year when he was arrested. It makes me sick to think about the way he could possibly have been looking at me. I still go to kanakuk kamps. I love them and I am glad that this didn't hurt the organization too much. The new director for k-kountry is great and takes good care of the kids. I feel so sorry for pete's family and I will continue to pray for them. I am also happy to say, it is good Pete will rot in jail for the rest of his life
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