Ex-camp official gets 2 life terms
BY Correspondent and Wire Reports
Saturday, June 12, 2010
6/18/10 at 4:19 PM
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FORSYTH, Mo. — A former Kanakuk Kamp assistant director has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus 30 years in prison for molesting campers, court records show.
Peter D. Newman, 35, pleaded guilty in Taney County Circuit Court in February to two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of second-degree statutory sodomy and two counts of enticement of a child.
Once a popular figure with campers and parents, Newman pleaded guilty to crimes occurring between 2006 and 2008 with six boys ages 11 to 15.
Prosecutors said he admitted to sexual activity with as many as 13 other children but that many families chose not to participate in the prosecution.
During his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Newman described his sexual desires as a "hidden sin" he had kept secret since he was 12.
He apologized for hurting his victims and former employer.
The assaults occurred at Newman's home, where he conducted nude one-on-one Bible study sessions in a hot tub, detective Ronnie Roberts wrote in an arrest warrant.
More than 75 people packed Circuit Judge Mark Orr's courtroom for the sentencing. Statements from the victims were given to the judge privately.
Kanakuk Kamp is a faith-based sports and adventure camp near Branson.
Prosecutors said the abuse began when Newman became a camp counselor in 1999 and continued through 2009.
His employment was terminated last year.
Joe White, the camp's owner, received an eight-page letter from Newman on June 8, 2009, in which he confessed to the crimes and apologized, according to the arrest affidavit.
