Trail of Betrayal Feature
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Scouts improve security, but gaps remain
Though the Boy Scouts of America has improved its youth-protection system, at least 13 sexual predators have slipped through security gaps during the last decade.
Document Trail
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Document trail: William A. Hoefling
Look at the confidential documents in Hoefling's file. Hoefling was a troop leader near Detroit.
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Document trail: Brian K. Liska
Examine for yourself: the documents in his confidential files. To this day, Liska said he doesn’t know if national Scouting officials approved his application because they were unaware of his past conviction -- or if they knew about it but decided he was fit nonetheless.
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Document trail: Scott A. Herrick
Click to view confidential documents in his file. Herrick is currently serving a 95-year sentence.
Related Stories
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Boy Scouts' president official statement
An official response to our investigation from Boy Scouts of America national president Wayne Perry.
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Expert: Exposing abuses will help kids
Patrick Boyle was the first to publish reports of the Boy Scouts of America's confidential "ineligible volunteers" files, in 1994. Boyle says the attention these files are now getting will do good for kids.
Full Series
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Part 1 - Inside the Files
Our exclusive look into the Boy Scouts' confidential files – 30,000 documents, 10 journalists, 6 months of research. Our investigation reveals scouts’ pleas for help being ignored while some scout leaders were promised confidentiality.
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Part 2 - Systemic Failures
The Scripps National Investigative Team tracks systemic problems within the Boy Scouts of America, including poor background checks, and suspected molestors moving from troop to troop. More of our exclusive interview with the leader of BSA.
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Part 3 - Scouts Today
After revelations of abuse within the Boy Scouts of America, how has the organization and its policies changed, and are changes working? You’ll hear different sides. Plus, a one-time abused scout has to decide whether scouting is right for his sons.
Kansas City Investigation
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Read the Kansas City files
A 41 Action News investigation discovered one of the nation's leading youth organizations did not report suspected child sexual abuse to authorities, allowing accused molesters to avoid punishment and putting other children in harm's way.
Extended Interview
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Video interview: Tom Stewart
Former scout Tom Stewart describes years of abuse he suffered as a child, and how he views scouting today as a father.
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Video interview: Patrick Boyle
Boyle wrote “Scout’s Honor,” a 1994 book examining child sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts of America.
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About Boy Scout Charter
Department of Agriculture: National Park Fee Waivers
Armed Force: Surplus Material
Department of Agriculture: Grants to expand programs in rural areas
Armed Forces: Equipment and other Services
National Guard: Training
