Scout leader charged with indecent assault

Charges involving two incidents of indecent assault were filed Thursday against a former Boy Scout leader.

Matthew C. Lewis, 27, of Malvern, was charged with endangering the welfare of children, indecent assault of a person less than 13, and related offenses for conduct that occurred on July 15, 2007, in one complaint and similar charges for conduct that occurred July 17, 2006, in a second complaint, court records said.

Neither Lewis nor his attorney, S. Lee Ruslander, could be reached for comment.

Tom Dintaman, the assistant Scout executive for the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts, said officials were "shocked and saddened" by the news.

He said Lewis had worked as a volunteer leader in a variety of capacities, including at the council's Camp Horseshoe, since he graduated from Scouting at 18.

Dintaman said he did not know the details of the case but learned during the last summer that two boys had reported inappropriate behavior to a leader. He said authorities were contacted immediately and a state trooper began an investigation within hours.