Despite state law impeding local prosecutors from charging a scout master with dozens of counts of sexual abuse, federal prosecutors could still bring indictments.
The Guardian was the first to tell you that dozens of allegations of child molestation have been lodged against local millionaire Bill McKell, who was a one-time Boy Scouts of America troop leader in Ross County and CEO of Horizon Telecoms.
More than 18 boys are named in a police report claiming that McKell, now 60, sexually abused them in the 80’s and 90’s while he led local Troop 5, also known as Troop 5005.
“We cannot at this time officially release the case file [or] report other than to say that the case remains open and is under active investigation,” said Chillicothe’s Interim Police Chief Larry Bamfield. The police report — obtained by the Guardian by a whistle-blower — says that the case has been referred to numerous area prosecutors.
Despite the allegations of abuse, however, Chillicothe Police and the Ross County Prosecutor are having difficulty bringing state charges, themselves, because the alleged abuse is said to have occurred more than 20 years ago, outside of the state statute of limitations. The statute of limitations are guidelines in Ohio law that grant immunity to alleged criminals after a certain number of years have passed if the crimes have previously gone unreported. In the case of child molestation, the claims must be reported within 20 years of the abuse.
It is unknown to the Guardian when McKell departed the scouts, but the police report outlines his association likely ended around 1996. Unless more recent alleged victims come forward, the state’s investigation might remain stagnant.
“We definitely want anyone with information on this case to contact the Chillicothe Police Department Detective Division directly at (740) 775-2904, extension 140,” Bamfield said.
With the state at a potential roadblock, federal prosecutors could still have a window to charge McKell.
According to Fred Alverson, spokesman for the Department of Justice, the feds have the file on their desk.
“For now, all I can say is that we have received information about the local investigation into the allegations against Mr. McKell,” Alverson told the Guardian. Unlike state charges, many sex crimes against children, including molestation, do not have a federal statute of limitations, meaning charges can be brought anytime during one’s life.
McKell was fired from his job at CEO of Horizon Telecoms on Thursday. Calls to his attorney by the Guardian have not gone returned.
