Former Fort Leonard Wood youth ministry director admits to sexual abuse

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A former director of youth ministry at Fort Leonard Wood has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing four minors, including during the youth group’s ski trips to Colorado and on camping trips.

Forty-two-year-old David McKay, of Waynesville, admitted through the plea he entered Thursday that the abuse happened dozens of times from 2010 to 2017, including at the fort. The four victims ranged in age from 11 to 17.

RELATED

Military police drill sergeant charged with enticement of a child, promoting prostitution

The soldier was assigned to the 14th Military Police Brigade.

By Kyle Rempfer

McKay, an Army National Guard first sergeant who worked at the fort’s Religious Services Office, faces between 10 years and life in prison for transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and four counts of sexually abusing a minor.

The sentencing date hasn’t been set.

In Other News

Graphic novel tells story of World War I’s ‘most outstanding soldier’

"General John Pershing recognized Samuel Woodfill as the most outstanding soldier of the First World War."

Transitioning out of the military? Here’s your checklist and timeline

Staying proactive and ensuring you arrive at each point when you’re supposed to will keep you from losing your mind as your ETS date approaches.

Wisconsin legislators consider bills on National Guard sex assaults

A study committee began working on legislation last summer to tighten oversight of sexual assault complaints within the Wisconsin National Guard.

Advocates struggle to help homeless vets as COVID support disappears

The end of the national pandemic emergency also ended extra support services for homeless veterans.

Equipment for Ukraine drawn from Kuwait wasn’t combat-ready, IG says

If poorly maintained howitzers from Kuwait stock were sent directly to Ukraine, it "would have killed somebody," a DoD inspector general report found.

Load More