Former Boy Scout leader charged with molesting troop members
Prosecutors in Dakota County have charged a former Boy Scout leader with criminal sexual conduct for allegedly molesting three boys who were members of his Burnsville troop.
Peter Robert Stibal, 44, of Burnsville, is accused of sexually touching the boys on numerous occasions at Boy Scout camps, at his home and at his cabin in Paynesville, according to the criminal complaint.
The alleged incidents took place between 2002 and 2008, when the alleged victims were between 11 and 16 years old.
The Burnsville Police Department continues to investigate whether any other children were victimized. Stibal served as a scout leader until this month.
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According to court documents, Stibal admitted to authorities that he had a video on his computer showing children engaged in sexual acts. He also said he was sometimes alone with individual scouts, which is a violation of Boy Scout policy.
But Stibal has denied ever sexually assaulting members of his troop, court documents state.
Stibal was arrested Monday and remains in custody, authorities said.
In a statement posted on the Boy Scout's Northern Star Council Web site, leaders said they were "saddened and disturbed" to learn about he charges against the troop leader. The statement said Stibal's membership was revoked when the allegations surfaced.
In addition, it said a background check had revealed no inappropriate behavior by Stibal before he became a Boy Scout volunteer.
Staff members and a law enforcement official have met with troop members and parents, according to the council statement.