Scouting Organizations Added to Lawsuit Over Alleged Abuse in TTPD Explorer Program

A federal lawsuit involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl in the Texarkana Texas Police Department Explorer Program has expanded to include the Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouting America, along with Learning for Life and the Caddo Area Council.

A federal lawsuit involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl in the Texarkana Texas Police Department Explorer Program has expanded to include the Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouting America, along with Learning for Life and the Caddo Area Council.

The lawsuit claims the organizations failed to protect minors participating in police ride-alongs and ignored warnings about abuse risks for decades. Four Texarkana police supervisors were also named as defendants.

Former officer Zackary Gilley faces multiple felony charges, including sexual assault of a child and child grooming. Prosecutors say the abuse happened during overnight ride-alongs through the Explorer Program. Gilley has pleaded not guilty.

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