Los Angeles – On March 16, 2004, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's, Juvenile Division, Sexually Exploited Child Unit, arrested 37 year-old Boy Scout leader, Victor Gene Debose. Debose was taken into custody in Arcadia, California, for a misdemeanor warrant charging him with multiple counts of child annoying and willful harm to a child.

The investigation into Debose’s conduct includes allegations that the scout leader, while on overnight outings, would force children to engage in sexual and other inappropriate behavior with themselves. The children were threatened with physical violence if they did not comply with Debose’s orders. The alleged conduct occurred between August 1, 2003 and November 10, 2003, while he was a scout leader in South Los Angeles. At the time of the alleged crimes, the four victims were between the ages of five and nine years old.

Debose remains in custody pending his arraignment on the charges. His bail was set at $150,000. If convicted of the charges, Debose would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Detectives believe there may be other victims who have yet to come forward.

A photograph of Debose is available at Media Relations Section via e-mail.

Anyone having any information regarding Victor Gene Debose is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations Section at, 213-485-3586.