Former Boy Scouts Leader Arrested for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: FBI Seeks Public’s Help
The FBI is seeking assistance from the public following the arrest of a former Boy Scouts leader in Omaha for allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. John Shores, a 54-year-old man who served as a Scoutmaster, faces charges of attempted child enticement and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to prosecutors, Shores aggressively pursued what he believed to be a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl, who was in fact an undercover officer. The FBI is now looking for any potential victims of Shores and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
During a detention hearing, evidence was presented that showed Shores initiated contact with the supposed 13-year-old girl after responding to an online post. He repeatedly asked her to meet up and offered to buy her alcohol. Shores also sent explicit material to the undercover officer and requested explicit photos in return.
When asked if he was okay with the girl’s age, Shores replied that he was only concerned if she was a police officer attempting to trap him. Prosecutors argued that Shores poses a danger to the community, especially considering his role as an authority figure within the Boy Scouts organization.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelli Ceraolo highlighted that Shores regularly interacted with over 100 children on a weekly basis and was even recruiting kids for the Boy Scouts on the same day he arranged to meet with the undercover officer. The Boy Scouts have since severed all ties with Shores.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis released Shores on conditions, including GPS monitoring and a prohibition on contact with minors. However, the FBI is still seeking information and urging anyone who believes their child or another child may have been a victim of Shores to come forward.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from sexual exploitation. The FBI’s call for public assistance underscores the need for collective efforts in identifying and preventing such crimes.
