LA Times releases 1,200 "perversion files" from Boy Scouts of America

The previously unpublished documents are now accessible in an online database

Published December 26, 2012 8:10PM (EST)

The Los Angeles Times has added around 1,200 records to an expansive database documenting the alleged sexual abuse that the Boy Scouts of America attempted to cover up between 1985 and 1991. The database, which also includes 3,200 files from 1947 to 2005 that have not been released publicly, now "represents the most complete accounting of suspected sexual abuse in the Scouts that has been made public." The Times notes that "all of the material was obtained as a result of lawsuits against the Scouts by alleged abuse victims or by media organizations."

Though staggering, the files do not include all alleged abuse incidents within the organization. "Experts say many cases probably were not reported to the national office, and the Scouts say the organization destroyed an unknown number of files over the years," reports the Times.

All of the victims' names have been redacted from the files, which the Times has released to the public.


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Boy Scouts Of America Child Abuse La Times Perversion Files Sex Abuse