'We find the charges disturbing’: Former Camp Belknap employee charged with soliciting minors

Reuben Teague worked at Camp Belknap, mentoring boys aged 8 to 16, from 1992 to 1997, at the YMCA overnight camp, where employees are taught to lead by example.

Last month, Teague, 50, was charged by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, part of an Internet Crimes Against Children sting operation. One of five men caught up in the effort, Teague is charged with two felonies, including meeting a minor for lewd purposes, as well as misdemeanors for arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes and obstructing justice.

According to Camp Belknap leaders in an Aug. 14 email, no incidents occurred during Teague’s time as an employee. Reached by phone Friday, they declined to comment.

The Tuftonboro camp, established in 1903, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, tried to get ahead of the situation.

“Mr. Teague has not been employed by Belknap since 1997. We have no information suggesting that any of his alleged conduct relates to his time at Belknap. Nevertheless, we find the charges disturbing, and in the interest of transparency want to let you know that we are aware of the allegations and his connection to Belknap. We are deeply saddened for those directly affected by Reuben Teague’s alleged actions,” reads the email, signed by Seth Kassels, executive director; John DeLong, chair of the board of trustees; and Paul Reingold, chair of the board’s risk management committee.

The email encourages anyone with possible information to contact police. The email audience was urged to contact the executive team with questions or concerns.

“As we process this information, we are carefully considering the impact of this news on our immediate and extended camp community. We deeply value the trust that Belknap families place in us and believe strongly in talking openly and honestly about these issues, however difficult it may be,” the email reads.

Leaders at Camp Belknap have a track record of facing difficult conversations head-on.

A letter to the community was published in March 2019, detailing the camp’s efforts to strengthen protocols around sexual misconduct and abuse, in response to national news reporting on incidents occurring at sleepaways camps, and boarding schools. They formed a task force, and updated safety regulations, while increasing staff training.

“The work of the Task Force to date has included review of our policies and protocols, including those on harassment, mandated reporting, employment, background checks, and other important topics. The Task Force has also developed a new and comprehensive ‘Protocol for Responding to Incidents of Sexual Misconduct,’ which was approved by the Board in February” 2019, the letter reads.

Read more of the letter at campbelknap.org.

A press release, issued by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Aug. 5, detailed the undercover sting operation.

“According to court documents, on July 29 and July 30, undercover officers from the SFSO and local Bay Area counties, as well as officers from out of state (Florida) and the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, participated in an Internet Crimes Against Children Undercover Chat Operation,” reads the release.

During the undercover operation, officers communicated with five people, including Teague, who were interested in meeting with minors for the purpose of sexual conduct. Following these initial conversations, an in-person meeting was arranged under the guise the five men would be introduced.

"Investigators utilized multiple social media platforms and online chat services while working in undercover capacities during this operation," San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said, in an August press conference. "Our deputies and officers posed as underage children, or as adults with young children, in order to identify individuals seeking to exploit minors online."

The press release goes on to say Teague pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all allegations, and is currently in custody, along with three others.

“The District Attorney’s Office moved to have them detained pending trial due to the public safety risk they pose,” reads the release. “The court granted the motion to detain pending trial without prejudice.”

According to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, the parties will appear in court at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, to set the preliminary hearing date.

•••

Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.