More charges for former camp director

By Mindy Honey
Society Editor
Originally published Nov. 21, 2009

FORSYTH — A former Kanakuk Kamp director accused of molesting children while working for the camp is now facing more charges.

“The state filed Tuesday a second case against Mr. (Peter) Newman that has five felony counts,” said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell.

He said since the case was originally filed in September, additional victims have come forward.

“Those allegations had to be investigated,” Merrell said.

Newman was once again arrested Tuesday, but was released on a $500,000 signature bond later that day.

Newman and his attorney Thomas Carver, opted to waive a preliminary hearing and plead not guilty to charges.

He now faces a total of 12 felony charges, according to Merrell.

His arraignment in circuit court is scheduled for Dec. 17.

According to court documents, Newman had worked for Kanakuk Kamps for the past 10 years and was terminated for inappropriate behavior earlier this year.

A four-page warrant application listed detailed information about alleged sexual relationships Newman had with male juveniles who attended Kanakuk Kamp.

“Pete worked at a slow pace, by ‘hanging out’ with them, doing sleepovers, having them attend his Bible studies, meeting their parents and thereby, gaining their trust,” the application stated. “He would further his friendship by taking the kids on vacations, retreats, send letters, e-mails, phone calls, etc., and then continued by inviting them over for group Bible studies and even furthered his ‘friendship’ by having one-on-one Bible sessions in his hot tub at his residence.”

Charges against Newman include statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct and enticement of a child.