The crimes in the charges occurred between 2005 and 2008 but the probable cause statement used as the basis of the charges says Newman, 33, may have abused children between 1999 and 2009.

Newman's employment at the Christian-values based sports camps ended last spring after 10 years there. Newman worked at the camp that is on the east shore of Lake Taneycomo across from Branson. Kanakuk Kamps also has other camps in southwest Missouri.

The probable cause statement by Taney County Sheriff's Department Det. Ronnie Roberts says a state Children's Division caseworker, Lorri Cobb, helped investigate the sexual abuse allegations. Roberts wrote that he and Cobb conducted "an extensive investigation" that included interviewing many people who attended Kanakuk Kamps.

The camps attract children and teenagers from all over the country. One victim lives in Tennessee. The probable cause statement doesn't say where other victims live. Newman lived in Branson until he lost his job at Kanakuk Kamps last spring, but now lives in Memphis, Tenn., according to the Taney County prosecuting attorney's office.

The probable cause statement says Newman befriended his victims "by attending family dinners, sleepovers, Bible studies, taking vacations together and writing letters. Pete would hold one-on-one sessions" in his hot tub at his home "and would request they be naked. Pete would discuss life's struggles." Those discussions led to fondling and other crimes, the victims told the investigators.

Some of the men who were interviewed are now 21 to 25 years old, the probable cause statement says. They attended Kanakuk Kamps between 1999 and 2003 and "engaged in being naked with Pete while participating in various activities such as Bible studies in the hot tub, swimming nude in the lake, playing nude basketball at night, streaking in the nude at various locations in the Kamp, etc..."

Roberts wrote that Newman sent an eight-page letter last June to Kanakuk Kamps owner Joe White "confessing to his actions and supplying an apology."

Roberts concluded that Newman "became very close to some of the kids (some of which were victims of choice ranging in ages from 11 to 15 -- all of which were white young males. Pete worked at a slow pace, by 'hanging out' with them, doing sleepovers, having them attend his Bible studies, meeting their parents and thereby gaining their trust. He would further his friendship by taking the kids on vacations, retreats, send letters, e-mails, phone calls, etc... and then continued by inviting them over for group Bible studies and even furthered his 'friendship' by having one-on-one Bible sessions in his hot tub at his residence where he used his employment capabilities and discussed the Kamps' ministry and lectures on what eventually led" to the sexual abuse.

"This behavior is most commonly seen of sexual offenders as a 'grooming' process over selected victims over an extended period of time, which then progresses to other sexual acts so that the offender can receive or fulfill the offender's own sexual gratification."

White sent a letter and e-mail message to parents on Monday alerting them to the charges and investigation. Here’s the text of the letter:

"For the last 34 years, Debbie Jo and I have poured our hearts and prayers into this beloved place. Therefore it is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you today regarding a difficult situation.

"Because you are an important part of the Kanakuk family, we wanted to make you aware that earlier today, the Taney County Missouri prosecutor filed a four-count criminal complaint against our former employee, Pete Newman. As you may know, Pete Newman was employed at K-Kountry. The prosecutor’s criminal charges allege that Pete engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with adolescent boys, including some who had been Kanakuk Kampers.

"When we became aware of this situation we took immediate action, terminating Pete Newman’s employment. Since that time, we have been working closely with the affected families and appropriate authorities. We reported what we knew to investigators and stayed in contact throughout the process, providing whatever assistance we could. We have also offered our assistance to the impacted families.

"Our fervent prayers are with those who have been impacted. We look forward to the completion of the legal process to ensure that justice is served.

"As you know, Pete Newman's alleged behavior is counter to everything we believe in, everything we stand for and everything we work to instill in the young people who come to us seeking to grow personally and in their relationship with Christ. In fact, for years, we have had very clear policies and extensive training in place for all staff regarding appropriate behavior. Our staff members go through background checks, personal interviews and extensive training on our policies.

"We understand the difficulty that this situation causes you and your children. We pledge to work with you to help you address questions your children may have. Kanakuk is a family, and families often face challenging times. We also pledge that Kanakuk will continue to do all we can to champion efforts to prevent inappropriate behavior from occurring at any camp.

"If you have questions or concerns about this situation, please e-mail me at joe@kanakuk.com.

"Thank you for being part of the Kanakuk family.

"In Christ,
Joe White"
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On Tuesday, Doug Goodwin, chief operating officer of Kanakuk Kamps, issued this statement:

"Our camp family was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the allegations involving a former employee. The alleged behavior is counter to everything we believe in, everything we stand for and everything we work to instill in the young people who come to us seeking to grow personally and in their relationship with Christ.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we have worked closely with authorities investigating this matter.

"Most importantly, we have offered our assistance to the alleged victims and their families. We are committed to protecting their privacy, and we cannot say anything further about the allegations at this time.

"For years, we have had very clear policies and extensive training in place for all staff regarding appropriate behavior. Our staff members go through background checks. In light of this situation, we’ve reviewed and, where appropriate, updated our policies to reinforce our commitment to the families we serve."

Besides working at Kanakuk Kamps, Newman conducted community Bible studies in Branson. A mother of a sixth-grade boy in Branson who attended one of his Bible studies says her son was not a victim of Newman, but she says the victims who came forward are heroes because they saved others from being abused. She says Newman is well-known around the country for his speeches about his Christian faith at churches and other events.

Newman made his first court appearance on the charges on Tuesday. He's free on bond and his next Taney County Associate Circuit Court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 10 a.m.