Twin Scout Leaders Given Life Terms in Sex Abuse of Boy, 13
Two Boy Scout leaders, convicted of sexually abusing a member of their troop, were sentenced today to maximum life terms in prison.
Delmar Gowing, who was scoutmaster for Wacousta Troop 60, and his twin brother, Donald, who was assistant scoutmaster, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 13-year-old Scout.
Donald Gowing, 47, appeared shaken as the sentence was pronounced by Clinton County Circuit Judge Randy Tahvonen. Delmar wept when his brother’s sentence was pronounced. He subsequently received the same punishment.
“If you’re asking for mercy, you came to the wrong place,” Tahvonen told Donald Gowing. “My job is to be just.”
Tahvonen’s sentence exceeded state guidelines for such cases as well as a recommendation in the pre-sentencing report.
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