Boy Scout volunteer said to be part of international child pornography ring

Dec. 6 (UPI) -- A federal complaint has been filed in the Southern District of Indiana charging a Boy Scouts of America volunteer with being part of an international child pornography ring.

According to the complaint, Alabama resident James McCullars is charged with engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to distribute and receive child pornography. Federal agents say that the ring used the Internet and the U.S. mail to trade "substantial volumes" of child pornography.

The complaint alleges that McCullars maintained an FTP folder that included several videos of boys between the ages of 8 and 10 taking part in sexual activities. McCullars volunteered with the BSA at events including the National Jamboree.

"Now that we have heard about this, we have immediately revoked his membership," said a spokesperson for the Boys Scouts of America Alabama.

J.T. Dabbs III, the Scout Executive of the Greater Alabama Council, released a statement:

“Any instance of child victimization or abuse is intolerable and unacceptable. The behavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Our thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who may be a victim of this type of behavior. We appreciate and support the legal system of the United States and, if found guilty, support punishment to the fullest extent of the law. Although these allegations do not appear to have anything to do with Scouting, this individual was immediately removed from Scouting in 2012 and is permanently banned from future participation in the Scouting program.

The BSA has a comprehensive youth protection program which includes education, chartered organization leader selection procedures, criminal background and other checks, barriers to abuse and prompt mandatory reporting. Because this is an ongoing investigation, please contact local authorities for additional information.”

[KBTX]