MAGNOLIA, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for anyone with any information or relevant concerns to reach out to them after arresting a Magnolia man for allegedly possessing child pornography.
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Michael Stephen Provost, 56, was arrested on Jan. 9 after a search warrant was executed at a Magnolia home. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail.
DPS says during the investigation, they learned Provost had previously served as a scout leader and mentor with the Boy Scouts of America for several years.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety urges anyone with relevant information or concerns to contact DPS and request to speak with the lead Special Agent assigned to the case,” DPS said.
Anyone with any more information is asked to contact Special Agent Louis Niklas with the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. The number to call is 936-539-2764.
“This investigation is part of a proactive effort to protect children and hold individuals accountable for harming or attempting to exploit them,” DPS said. “The Texas Department of Public Safety is an active member of the Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, operating under the guidance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.”
Marvin D. Smith, Scout Executive and CEO of the Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America released the following statement:
“The behavior described in these allegations is appalling and is counter to everything the Boy Scouts of America stands represents. This individual is not currently registered in our programs and has been prohibited from any future participation in Scouting.
“Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of children in our Scouting programs – it is our top priority. Many years ago, we adopted some of the strongest barriers to child abuse that will be found in any youth serving organization, and we take the responsibility to uphold those barriers seriously.
“The BSA strives to prevent child abuse through a comprehensive program, which includes as safeguards:
o Ongoing mandatory youth protection education for all volunteers, parents, and Scouts;
o A formal leader selection process that includes criminal background checks and other screening efforts;
o Policies and procedures to serve as barriers to abuse, such as mandating two-deep leadership and prohibiting one-on-one situations where adults would interact with children – either in-person, online, or via text;
o Prompt mandatory reporting to the authorities of any allegation or suspicion of abuse; and,
o Database system that is recommended by experts to prevent individuals from reregistering in Scouting who were removed because they do not meet the BSA’s standards or because of known or suspected abuse or other misconduct, either inside or outside the organization.”
We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate this matter. As the investigation is ongoing, please contact the law enforcement authority with any further questions. For more information about the BSA’s youth protection policies, please visit: bsayouthprotection.org.