Boy Scouts Sued on Sex

HARTFORD (CN) - A Boy Scouts troop leader sexually assaulted a teen-ager on camping trips for years, and the organization failed to prevent it, the boy, now 18, claims in Superior Court.

James W. Harris III is serving a 15-year sentence for first-degree sexual assault, according to the Department of Corrections Web site.

The John Roe plaintiff says Harris sexually assaulted him repeatedly on camping trips from 1991 to 1997. He says the Boy Scouts knew or should have known Harris allowed boys to sleep with him in the Campmaster's Cabin and in the same tent during camping trips in Connecticut.

Roe seeks damages from the Boy Scouts of America, its Connecticut Rivers Council, and from Harris. He is represented by Frank Bartlett Jr. with Ouellette, Deganis and Gallagher of Cheshire, Conn.

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