A 50-year-old scout leader in Stockholm has been sentenced to prison for raping a 13-year-old girl. Police are now urging potential other victims to come forward, suspecting more may have been affected. The case highlights risks within youth organizations.
Stockholm District Court sentenced the 50-year-old man, a leader in the Scouterna organization, to two years and six months in prison for aggravated rape of a child. The crime occurred in the summer of 2022, when the man exploited his position of trust to approach the 13-year-old girl during a scouting activity.
According to the verdict, the girl was overwhelmed by the intoxicated man, who denied the charges during the trial. The court ruled the act particularly serious given the victim's young age and the leader's role. The man was immediately suspended from Scouterna following the allegations.
Stockholm police, through investigator Anna-Karin Östlund, are now urging more victims to contact them. "We believe there may be many more who have been victimized, and we want to give them the opportunity to tell their stories," she said in a statement. The appeal follows testimonies highlighting the man's long involvement in the scouting movement, where he had contact with hundreds of children and youths over the years.
The case raises questions about safety protocols in volunteer organizations. Scouterna has previously implemented preventive measures against abuse, but this incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance. Police emphasize that reports are handled confidentially and encourage those affected not to hesitate in seeking support.