Boy Scouter in Boundary County accused of sexually assaulting children
BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — A Boundary County man has been accused of sexually assaulting at least one child over the course of several years.
William Austin Blumenauer, 46, has been charged with four counts of lewd conduct with a minor under 16.
Blumenauer was a member of Boundary County’s Boy Scouts of America, though the organization says it is unclear at this time if any of the incidents were related to scouting.
In a statement released to 4 News Now, Boy Scouts of America said:
We were shocked and disgusted to learn of these reports. Our heart goes out to the victims and the victims’ families. While we do not yet know if these incidents are related to Scouting, upon learning of these charges, we took immediate action to remove this individual from Scouting and prohibit him from any future participation in our programs.
According to BSA, it keep strict youth protection guidelines in place. Those include requiring two youth protection trained adults to be present with kids at all times, and banning one-on-one situations with children.
In Idaho, lewd conduct involves engaging in sexual contact with a minor and is the equivalanet of child rape. It carries a punishment of up to life in prison.
Blumenauer is being held $1 million bond.
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