State Police say a Delaware Boy Scout leader has been charged with sexually abusing two boys in his troop two years ago while they were on a whitewater rafting trip in Fayette County.
John Peden, 69, of New Castle, Del., was indicted on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, according to the Fayette County prosecutor’s office. Peden is free on bond.
Sgt. Bill Scott said State Police were contacted by a New Castle police detective investigating sexual abuse complaints involving Peden. They were initially reported to police in New Castle in the summer of 2005, and the investigation was forwarded to State Police Cpl. R.C. Workman in 2006.
According to the investigation, Peden sexually abused two boys while they were at Ace Adventure Center in Minden, Scott said. The boys were between 11 and 12 years old.
Peden was arraigned in circuit court Tuesday, Scott said. He then posted bond.
— Amelia A. Pridemore
