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Convicted Sex Offender Wins Court Ruling

2,056 views · Published 25 April 2013 · 2:33 · Indexed 20 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

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by Kyra Rogers  A North Georgia judge says there is no reason for probation officers to stop a convicted sex offender from attending Girl Scout meetings.At the heart of the matter are the rules imposed on Keith Maynard when he pleaded guilty in 2009 in a Catoosa County court to the statutory rape of a 15-year-old girl. Maynard met his victim at that time through a Girl Scout program.Cortroom observer Ron Wells watched the ruling unfold and said he was stunned.He's been convicted and I don't see where he should be able to do that, said Wells.Maynard has insisted he is within the rules set out by the court, but probation officers said the ruling was confusing. In one spot the rules read, You shall have no contact, directly, or indirectly with any child under the age of 18.The second sentence however says, You may attend activities in which your children are participating.Judge Kristina Cook Graham concluded, I don't see what needs clarifying.That means probation officials may not intervene in Maynard's participation in any activities his teenage children are involved in, assuming of course, that Maynard acts appropriately.After the hearing Maynard declined to speak with us, but Wells couldn't understand the judge's decision.A predator is still a predator. You can't change them, he said.The Girl Scouts is a private organization with its own rules, which read, Registered sex offenders are not eligible for membership in Girl Scouts of the USA and may not participate in any capacity with Girl Scout programs. Volunteers shall not knowingly hold meetings or associate with Girl Scout members with a registered sex offender present. Even though the law grants Maynard permission to attend Girl Scout functions, the organization itself has the last call.They did not return our calls Thursday. Previously they issued the following statement:Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) was notified on Friday, 3/22/13, by the parent of a Girl Scout that Keith Maynard has been attending Girl Scouts functions with his daughter, who is also a Girl Scout. The person expressed concerns and stated that Keith Maynard should not be permitted to be near children because he is a registered sex offender.Upon being made aware of this situation, our staff immediately began taking steps to investigate it, and take all appropriate actions in accordance with our council policies  those of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. As always, the safety and security of our girls is our first and immediate priority.Keith Maynard is not an adult member, nor a volunteer on any level, for the Girl Scouts organization. We have no involvement in legal proceedings regarding his standing as a sex offender, and therefore are not in any position to comment upon them.Further actions will be taken as necessary to ensure the safety of our girls and the operation of this Girl Scout troop in compliance with all safety guidelines and policies of GSCSA. Whether or not these actions will be made public will also be determined by our policies, which are approved by our Board of Directors.We'll let you know when, or if, the organization makes a decision in the matter.

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