Richard Scott Shaw sexually abused a young girl, authorities said. (Mug shot: Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
A church youth group leader said he did not intend on “hurting anybody” when touching a little girl’s private parts, but later told investigators that he “gave in to temptation,” according to a press statement and an affidavit viewed by Law&Crime.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida announced on Wednesday that Richard Scott Shaw, 69, was charged with lewd molestation and awaits extradition from Wyoming.
Deputies said that law enforcement counterparts in the defendant’s home state are investigating whether he might have abused other kids. He had access to them as a worship and church youth group leader for “Under Command Ministries” in Freemont County.
Authorities claim that Shaw visited the city of Lakeland, Florida, on Dec. 20 and returned to Wyoming on the 29th. After he left, the girl told her mother that Shaw had sexually abused her in two incidents, police said.
The mother called Shaw, who confessed to sexually abusing the child, deputies said.
Shaw allegedly admitted to touching her, but he claimed it was an accident. Later, after being demanded the truth, he said, “I’m afraid of the consequences,” according to documents.
“It wasn’t with the intention of hurting anybody,” he allegedly said.
During the confrontation, he was accused of being a “sexual predator.”
“No, I don’t believe that’s true,” he said in documents.
Asked if he could be trusted with the girl again, he allegedly said, “No, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t be alone with her again.”
According to authorities, Shaw told Polk County detectives he is addicted to porn and he “gave in to temptation” when he touched the child in Lakeland.
Freemont County deputies are running their own investigation as to whether Shaw abused any children there. On top of that, Polk County deputies learned he works at or is otherwise affiliated with other local churches in Wyoming, and authorities there are still investigating.
Under Command Ministries did not immediately respond to a Law&Crime request for comment.
“We are working with Wyoming law enforcement to determine if this suspect victimized any other children there — we sincerely hope not,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “This man should never be allowed to have access to children again.”
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