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WKBW News  -  Lockport, NY   July 20, 2010

Scout Leader in Court for Alleged Child Abuse

It was all over in a matter of minutes. Michael Walleshauser, the former scout leader accused of child abuse, appeared in Lockport Town Court with his attorney Tuesday night. During his appearance, Walleshauser waived his right to a preliminary hearing in local court, meaning that the case will now move to Niagara County Court.

The fifty year old Lockport resident is being charged with predatory sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual acts, and attempted sexual abuse. He allegedly sexually assaulted two young boys under the age of thirteen. The Niagara County Sheriff says though he was a scout leader, the case is not a boy scout matter, as the victims were not scouts, nor were they associated with the scout troop.

Gary Freedman, Walleshauser's attorney, said after the proceeding that "under our law he is innocent until proven guilty. He's looking forward to his day in court, and that's all I have to say right now."

Niagara County Assistant District Attorney Robert Zucco was also present. "The case will now be dealt in superior court, Niagara County Court. The next step is really the review of the case by the grand jury," he said.

The Niagara County Sheriff said that there have been no additional complaints or alleged victims outside of the original two boys. The Niagara County Assistant DA did recognize the possibility that the children might be called to testify against Walleshauser if the case goes to trial, and said that it would be difficult, but they would be prepared if it happened.

The grand jury could convene as soon as this week.

This article was found at:

http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/Scout-Leader-in-Court-for-Child-Abuse-98865529.html

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