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	Attorney: Church Knew Scout Master Was Abusing Boys By Lauren Adams WPSD November 2, 2011 http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Attorney-church-knew-scout-master-was-abusing-boys-133038528.html [with video] PADUCAH — The lawyers for a local man who accuses a former boy scout leader of abuse said they now have proof a local church knew about the abuse. In February, Joe Andrect, 49, filed a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America and his local church, saying his former scout leader Danny Middleton sexually abused him. Andrect said the abuse happened in the 1970s. He brought a suit against the Boy Scouts of America, the Shawnee Trails Council, Grace Episcopal Church, and the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky. Another man, Timothy Vasseur, stepped forward with similar allegations after Andrect filed suit. Both cases headed to court Tuesday with new evidence coming to light. The day got off to a dramatic start as the defense argued that evidence did not have a place in the day's hearing. "If she wants to have a press conference, she can have a press conference," attorney Eddie Jones told Judge Tim Kaltenbach. Attorney Ann Oldfather fired back. "I will say for the record I did not ask for any press to be here," she said. "I did not give them notice of this hearing." Oldfather introduced evidence the church knew of Scout Master Middleton's involvement with at least one of the boys during the 1970s. "We have received from Grace Episcopal Church letters that were written among members of the troop committee," she said. "These were members in very high standing when in 1979, they referenced their knowledge the scout master Danny Middleton had engaged in sexual activity with some of the boys." Jones acknowledged that letter does exist. He said the personal letter between church members is dated in May 1979 and suggests an inappropriate relationship. But he said action was taken immediately and Danny Middleton was relieved of his duties. Jones also argued on the statute of limitations. Based on that, lawsuits need to be filed within a certain amount of time or be forever barred. The case returns to court Feb. 1 for a status conference.
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