A former local Boys Scouts leader has written an open letter on his Facebook page, admitting to being a “child molester”. iHeart Media News Director Mike Smith has confirmed the post was from Bill McKell.
McKell wrote a lengthy admission to his having “abused teenage boys” and stated “there is no excuse for what I have done”. McKell states in the post that; “During my late teens, twenties and early thirties, I had inappropriate contact with a number of young men”.
Chillicothe Police have confirmed they are investigating reports of these abuse reports, which could involve well over a dozen victims, dating back more than 25 years ago. Many of these victims are now adult men.
As of Sunday afternoon, it is not known whether this public admission and McKells willingness to have his legal counsel work with authorities on “any legitimate charge”, will have any immediate impact on the on-going investigation that the Chillicothe Police have been conducting for over this past year.
Thus far, no charges have been filed against Bill McKell.
McKell included an apology in his Facebook post to his victims, their families, to the community and to his own family.
“I sincerely apologize and seek the forgiveness of each person I have caused to suffer hurt and shame. You were among my closest friends and I abused your friendship and betrayed your trust. I am truly sorry. I also wish to seek the forgiveness of your parents, spouses, children and any others who have suffered from the scars I have inflicted”.
McKell added that he has been in recovery since 1996 for what he refers to as his “sickness”. He wrote; “In 1996, I attended a spiritual renewal weekend that changed my life as I realized how truly sick I was. At that point, I committed myself to recovery. I would love to say I was instantly “cured.” I was not, but I am recovered”.
“While I will vigorously defend myself from any false charges brought against me, I will direct my counsel to work cooperatively on any legitimate charge”.
McKell was fired from his position as Horizon Telcom Inc. CEO, late last week, for reasons undisclosed by the company at that time.
To read the complete Open Letter, a link is provided to Bill McKell's Facebook post.
For those unable to open the Facebook link above, the entire Open Letter from Bill McKell can be seen below.
My name is Bill McKell and I am a child molester.
Every 12-step program begins with admission. I have been one who abused teenage boys. As far as I am able to tell, it is a disease of the mind not unlike alcoholism or drug addiction. It is a sickness that can never be cured or healed, only recovered from. That being said, there is no excuse for what I have done.
Over the last week, a police report that should have remained private has been spread all over social media. As one who has been charged with no crime and who has had no opportunity to present a legally-represented defense, I should be upset. I am not upset for myself since this social media wildfire has driven me to this admission. But I am upset that the names and pain of my accusers have been so publicly displayed and that a similarly horrific social media campaign could be waged against almost anyone.
But this one has been waged against me and I have something to admit. During my late teens, twenties and early thirties, I had inappropriate contact with a number of young men.
In 1996, I attended a spiritual renewal weekend that changed my life as I realized how truly sick I was. At that point, I committed myself to recovery. I would love to say I was instantly “cured.” I was not, but I am recovered.
I sincerely apologize and seek the forgiveness of each person I have caused to suffer hurt and shame. You were among my closest friends and I abused your friendship and betrayed your trust. I am truly sorry. I also wish to seek the forgiveness of your parents, spouses, children and any others who have suffered from the scars I have inflicted.
While I will vigorously defend myself from any false charges brought against me, I will direct my counsel to work cooperatively on any legitimate charge.
While recovery is challenging, I have learned that limits, control and accountability are key. Accountability has always been hampered by my fear of confession. One wonderful friend even gave me an opportunity to confess and, I hope, to receive forgiveness, but I was too much of a coward to seize the opportunity.
Accountability will be easier now that everyone around me is aware of my disease. It is the “everyone around me” that I must apologize to next. To my former coworkers and those who have defended me through the rumors and accusations because they could not reconcile the man they know with the man described, I thank you and I’m sorry. Please forgive me for letting you down. I am working hard to remain only the man you know. This admission finally gives me the freedom to get the professional help I need to assure that.
Finally, I seek mercy and grace from my family—immediate and otherwise. I am causing you much shame and pain and anguish. I am so sorry you are suffering for my sins. Please forgive me. I pray you will be given space to grieve.
I seek prayers for everyone I have hurt.
**Since the Facebook posting by Mr. McKell, his former employer Horizon Telcom Inc. has released this statement:
Horizon Chairperson Ted Mocarski stated; "Last week we terminated the employment of former Chief Executive Officer Bill McKell and offered our cooperation to the authorities in their ongoing investigation. Horizon takes these matters very seriously and took swift actions to address them. We encourage anyone who believes they have information related to this matter to contact the Chillicothe Police Department. We remain focused on supporting our employees and taking great care of our customers".
