(MPR News) A Rochester man is suing the Boy Scouts of America, alleging that a former scoutmaster sexually abused him from the age of 11 to 16.
In a lawsuit filed in Olmsted County District Court, Scott Hart, 48, contends that Scoutmaster Richard Hokanson molested him at least 200 times over a six-year period beginning in 1975.
Hokanson pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct in the early 1980s and was forced to go through psychiatric treatment.
Lawsuits filed against organizations such as youth groups or community organizations often focus on whether the organization failed to protect children or ignored warning signs. These cases may reveal policies, supervision practices, and reporting procedures that contributed to abuse occurring or continuing. Legal action can help bring accountability and policy changes.