LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reissued her public service announcement (PSA) regarding the Department’s investigation into abuse within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to remind abuse victims and witnesses that her department is still pursuing all credible complaints and tips. 

“Securing justice for the survivors of abuse is one of my top priorities.  Regardless how much time has passed, or how difficult the circumstances of a case may be, I am committed to seeing abusers held accountable for their crimes” Nessel said. “Our Boy Scouts of America tip line is open, and we encourage any survivor or witness with information to share, to please reach out.” 

The BSA investigation is similar to the Department’s ongoing clergy abuse investigation, which has seen criminal charges in 11 cases throughout the state, with convictions in nine of those cases and two defendants awaiting extradition. Michigan’s clergy abuse case has been recognized for having the highest number of prosecutions nationally. 

In January of 2021, Nessel learned that thousands of sex abuse claims filed in BSA’s ongoing bankruptcy case were in Michigan and asked the public to report instances of abuse to the hotline. Today, the Department believes there may be well over 5,000 victims. 

Nessel’s goal in reissuing the PSA is to urge victims of abuse at the hands of the Boy Scouts to report the abuse they suffered, as well as to remind people that this joint investigation with MSP is separate from the civil litigation.  

“I know speaking about these traumas is difficult,” Nessel says in the video. “That’s why I’m asking Michiganders to show their strength and courage by calling our trained victim advocates. It doesn’t matter if the abuse occurred last month or years ago—you deserve to be heard and we’re here to listen." 

If you have information about the Boy Scouts of America that you think would help, please call the investigation hotline at 844-324-3374 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tips can be left anonymously.   

The investigation is being led by the Department’s Cold Case Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Unit, which is financially supported in part by Grant No. WE AX 0030 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.  

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