A former Cub Scout leader in Texas is facing indecency charges that allegedly involved an 8-year-old girl.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has accused Clifton Ray Poe, 52, of victimizing the young family acquaintance multiple times. KTRK reported that Poe was the Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 820; the alleged victim is a sibling of one of the Cub Scout members.
The Houston Chronicle reported that Poe is accused of having sexual contact with the girl twice within the past three months. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls claimed one encounter occurred at Poe’s home and the other transpired at the victim’s home.
Poe had reportedly worked with the Boy Scouts for two years and had known the 8-year-old’s family for three. The newspaper reported that Poe also works as an at-home IT specialist.
KPRC reported that law enforcement had not yet seized Poe’s computer.
Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America released a statement in light of the allegations, explaining that they conduct criminal background checks and “mandatory reporting” when allegations arise. The statement continued:
“This individual’s behavior 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, which we seek to maintain through comprehensive policies and procedures that serve as barriers to inappropriate or abusive behavior.
Fort Bend police said the Boy Scouts are cooperating with their investigation.
Poe was arrested twice in Jefferson County in 1990. KPRC reported that he was convicted of theft by check and received deferred adjudication for credit card abuse and felony theft.
The disgraced ex-Cub Scout leader is being held on $60,000 bond.
[Featured image: Clifton Ray Poe/Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office]