Boy Scout volunteer accused of lewd molestation

75-year-old arrested in St. Johns County on a Clay County warrant

ORANGE PARK, Fla. – A 75-year-old man who had volunteered as the aquatic director at Boy Scout Camp Echockotee is accused of slapping boys on the buttocks, one of whom complained that he felt his fingers penetrate through his clothing, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Stinson Lenkerd, who lives in northwest St. Johns County, was charged with lewd and lascivious molestation and simple battery after detectives investigation accusations of his actions made during the weekend camping trip on Sept. 16-18.

According to the arrest warrant, Lenkerd agreed to a search of his cellphone and deputies found four pictures of Boy Scouts in their hammocks taken during the weekend trip to the camp off Doctors Lake Drive in Orange Park.

Lenkerd was released from jail on $105,000 bail. News4Jax went to his home in St. Johns, but were told to leave the property.

The North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, released this statement about Lenkerd's arrest:

"The health, safety and protection of Scouting’s members is our top priority.   Upon learning of the incidents from last weekend’s camping trip, law enforcement was notified immediately. Mr. Lenkerd’ s membership was revoked and he has been removed from all involvement with Scouting.  There is no place in Scouting for the behavior alleged by Mr. Lenkerd."

A woman who lives near Camp Echockotee said it's parents who are responsible for making sure their children are safe.

"It just takes research and thorough vetting of places where you send your kids and making sure that they're safe," said Jennifer, who didn't want to give her last name. "It's really scary."