Youth leader faces more sex charges

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Police say a former Cub Scout leader who previously faced sex abuse charges is being investigated again after a 11-year-old claims she was inappropriately touched.

Clienton Leroy Bryant, 49, of the 400 block of Blair Avenue in Newport News is being charged with five counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13.

Newport News Police say that an 11-year-old Newport News girl told her school counselor that between August 2006 and Sept. 1, 2011, a man she knew inappropriately touched her. The departments's special victim's unit conducted an investigation and placed Bryant under arrest.

WAVY.com reported on Bryant's previous arrest in February 2012, when he was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a boy participating in the Cub Scouts.

In February, Bryant was charged with two counts each of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship, according to Newport News police. The investigation began when police say Child Protective Services contacted the police department regarding a reported case of child sexual abuse on Dec. 20, 2011.

After the incident in February, The Boy Scouts of America Colonial Virginia Council removed Bryant as a scout leader. The following statement was released.

" The safety of our youth members is of paramount importance to the Boy Scouts of America. Along with the rest of the community, we were shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the allegations against this individual. The behavior included in these allegations runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. Upon learning of these allegations we immediately took action to ensure this individual will never be able to participate in Scouting again.

The BSA seeks to prevent child abuse through a comprehensive program of education, chartered organization leader selection procedures, criminal background and other checks, barriers to abuse and prompt mandatory reporting. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all those involved in this tragic situation. For additional information please contact the local authorities."

Bryant is in custody of the Newport News Jail.