IRVING, Texas – The Boy Scouts of America, based in Irving, Texas, has, been forced to file for bankruptcy after an avalanche of sexual abuse cases from all around the country.

The deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file against the BSA is just around the corner.

The court overseeing the bankruptcy has set November 16 as the deadline for victims of sexual abuse to file claims. All sexual abuse claims filed in connection with the BSA’s bankruptcy proceedings must be filed by 5 p.m. EST by the November deadline.

As part of the bankruptcy filing, the BSA created a Victim's Compensation Trust to provide what they’re calling “equitable compensation” to those who were sexually abused as children.

One of those survivors is John Litton. He was a scout in Waco in the late 60’s and early 70’s.

“It was in a lot of ways wonderful,” said Litton. “However, there were parts of it that were dark that have created problems not only for me but for other people as well.”

For him, the abuse from his scoutmaster started when he was 11 years old.

“Mr. Hethington groomed me over a period of time, and then I was selected to share his tent with him, and in sharing his tent with him.” said Litton.

He was abused multiple times over a span of more than two years.  Litton told his parents and a Scout leader, but nothing was ever done.

John Litton holds up a Boy Scouts photo during a Zoom call with reporter Lupe Zapata where he identifies the scoutmaster who abused him (Spectrum News)

He says like many victims of sexual abuse, his allegations were often dismissed as lies. Now 63, Litton wants survivors like him to come forward before it’s too late.

Any victim who fails to file a claim by November 16 will be legally barred from filing against the Boy Scouts.

“Do I want to see them destroyed? No. What would I like to see ... I would like to see them held publicly accountable,” said Litton.

In Dallas, David Goltl has had a very different experience with the organization. He’s dedicated much of his energy to the BSA over the last ten years and says it’s been nothing but positive. 

When his son Miles wanted to be a Cub Scout as a first-grader, he didn’t know what to expect but he was up for the challenge.

“I think scouting for me probably taught me a little more about dedication than I thought I knew,” said Goltl.

He started as a Den Leader in his son’s early years with Scouts and has followed his journey as a dedicated Scout dad.

“It has turned into an element of growth and development for gosh not only my son, myself and the rest if my family,” said Goltl.

Goltl is saddened by the future of the BSA being unknown. His son Miles is on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. He says although he’s never heard of abuse from his affiliation with the BSA, he believes it’s a real concern.

“I know that it’s a real thing, I know these issues took place to think that they didn’t is just naive,” said Goltl.

Both Goltl and Litton say they hope this bankruptcy isn’t the end of the BSA and the good associated with the organization.

“My hope and my prayer is that it is not dissolved. I really do think that we can persevere these challenges of the past and I think it needs to continue moving forward,” said Goltl.

The compensation trust will be drawn from the organization's assets, which in its bankruptcy filings are estimated at exceeding $1 billion.

“I’m not looking for money, I’m not looking for any king of financial gain, what I’m looking for is for then to be held accountable.” said Litton.

If you have an interesting story or an issue you’d like covered, let us know about it. Share your ideas with DFW Reporter Lupe Zapata: Lupe.Zapata@Charter.com.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Mr. Litton was 53. He is 63. The error has been corrected. (November 6, 2020)