Former Scoutmaster gets 6 months in 1980s molestation case

July 3, 2015

Makenzi Henderson,

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (AP) — A former Scoutmaster will spend six months in prison and have to register as a sex offender for decades after pleading guilty to molesting two boys in a Winston-Salem Boy Scout troop 30 years ago.

Prosecutors told media outlets that 63-year-old James Thomas Davis Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of taking indecent liberties with a child in incidents that happened between 1985 and 1987.

Authorities say Davis touched the boys while they were sleeping in his home. The Boy Scouts forced Davis out of after allegations were made in 1987.

Prosecutors say a criminal investigation began after the Boy Scouts reported the abuse to police last year.

Davis’ 14-year prison sentence was suspended to six months. He must register as a sex offender for at least 30 years.