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O’Fallon, MO (KMOV) — The O’Fallon, Missouri Police Department is asking any potential witnesses or victims to come forward after a man was accused of ‘deviate sexual intercourse’ with a child under the age of 12.
Monday, police said Matthew Baker, 48, was charged with statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy of a person under the age of 12.
According to police, officers were called to the 7300 block of Twin Chimney Boulevard around 9:40 p.m. on Oct. 13. When they arrived, they learned of the alleged ‘deviate sexual intercourse.’
Court documents state that Baker has twin 8-year-olds, one boy and one girl, and is associated with the Boy Scouts of America.
When News 4 reached out to the local branch of the Boy Scouts of America, a spokesperson with the related Cub Scout Pack stated that Baker’s membership with the Pack and with the national organization has been “revoked” and the parents of the other children in the Cub Scout Pack will be be sent letters explaining the Pack’s situation.
Police said they have not been notified of additional victims but due to the nature of the crime they are looking for information regarding any potential witnesses or victims. Anyone with information should contact Det. R.S. McDermott at 636-379-5659 or email rmcdermott@ofallon.mo.us.
Baker’s bond was set at $50,000.
The Boy Scouts later released the following statement:
The behavior included in these allegations is abhorrent and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Upon learning of these reports, we took immediate action to remove this individual and prohibit him from any future participation in our programs.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our youth members. We seek to prevent child abuse through comprehensive policies and procedures to serve as barriers to abuse. These include a thorough screening process for adult leaders and staff, criminal background checks, requiring two or more adult leaders be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities, and the prompt mandatory reporting of any allegation or suspicion of abuse.
Anyone with any information on potential abuse should contact authorities to ensure the safety of our youth, in and out of Scouting.
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