Allentown scout master charged with inappropriate sexual contact with minors
On Thursday, a scout master affiliated with the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America was charged with alleged inappropriate sexual contact with minors.
50-year-old Stephen Piller, of Catasauqua, has been charged with one count of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, a felony of the first degree, and five counts of Indecent Assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree.
Lehigh County Detective Andrew Millen began an investigation after receiving information from the Office of Children and Youth Services in March regarding possible sexual assaults in the Catasauqua area.
Detective Millen's investigation revealed incidents that allegedly took place, affecting three juvenile boys.
A juvenile boy, referred to as Victim #1, joined the Boy Scouts at age 12 and met Piller through the organization. Approximately two years after meeting him, Piller allegedly made sexual advances toward and touched the victim inappropriately when the boy was at Piller's home. While at Camp Trexler, a Boy Scout facility in Monroe County, Piller allegedly sexually assaulted the victim. This behavior allegedly continued over a three-year period at both locations.
Victim #2 also met Piller through the Boy Scots at age 14. Then a Head Scout Master, Piller allegedly touched the victim inappropriately and photographed him at Piller's home. Like Victim #1, Victim #2 attended Camp Trexler where Piller allegedly sexually assaulted him. The abuse allegedly continued over a three-year period.
Victim #3, as with the other victims, met Piller through the Boy Scouts as a juvenile. He allegedly was sexually assaulted at both Piller's residence and Camp Trexler while a minor. The alleged assault continued over multiple years.
The Monroe County District Attorney has agreed that the charges alleged to have been committed at Camp Trexler in Monroe County may be prosecuted in Lehigh County.
Piller surrendered by prior arrangement with his attorney and is being arraigned.