A former Massachusetts Boy Scout leader has been accused of possession child pornography and use of the Internet to entice boys to have sex.
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Andrew J. Myers at a scouting function in Whitinsville.
Andrew J. Meyers, 34, of Whitinsville, was arrested at his home Tuesday and has been in custody since his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Boston. He was to appear in federal court Thursday for a probable cause and detention hearing.
Christina Sterling with the U.S. attorney's office in Massachusetts said most of those accused of sex crimes will waive the right to a detention hearing to avoid information about their alleged crimes getting out.
"I've never seen anyone not waive it," she said.
Meyers also worked as a lawyer and a substitute teacher and once served on the Northbridge School Committee.
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According to the arrest affidavit, authorities in Larimer County, Colo., contacted police in Northbridge, Mass., after receiving a complaint from the mother of a 12-year-old boy who had communicated with Meyers in July via email and Skype.
Authorities said Meyers identified himself as 33-year-old Johnathan Andrews. According to the affidavit, during one conversation Meyers told the boy he had just returned from a week at scout camp and mentioned one of the boys there being " the horniest boy I have in the troop" and that "it helps that he's one of the cutest."
According to the affidavit, when the child replied with "nothing like horny scout campers," Meyers then said, " I just wish some of them were willing to let me play along."
Meyers is alleged to have told the child he masturbated to images and videos of boys and tried to convince him over Skype to touch and expose himself.
Officials said that after a search of his emails, they found Meyers had requested nude photos and offered to perform sexual acts on at least three boys in Northbridge.
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During his communication with the boy in Colorado, according to investigators, he indicated he was closing his law practice and had an upcoming job interview for a teacher position at a middle school.
After learning of his arrest, the Mohegan Council of the Boy Scouts of America released a statement saying Meyers had been terminated as a scoutmaster.
If convicted Meyers could face 10 years in prison on the enticement charge and 10 years on the possession of child porn charge.
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