Kanakuk counselor Pete Newman is up for parole. Victim advocates want it denied

A former counselor at a Christian youth camp near Branson who is serving multiple life sentences for sexual abuse will have a chance at parole in September.

Peter Newman has served 14 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for sexually abusing Kanakuk Kamps campers. He will appear before the parole board Sept. 25.

Newman is already serving two life sentences, plus 30 years, at the Jefferson City Correctional Center. He was imprisoned following his 2010 sentencing on seven felony counts of sexually abusing boys, in connection with his role as a Kanakuk counselor. Newman served as a counselor or camp leader from 1995 until 2009.

Victims and families of victims are currently trying to collect letters and testimonies to ensure that Newman is not granted parole. Among them is Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, a victim advocate and sister to one of Newman's victims, Trey Carlock, who died by suicide in 2019.

"In my eyes, Pete Newman is not just a felon who should remain behind bars, but a murderer. He butchered the souls of boys with his deceit and abuse, some even to their graves. The devastation of Pete Newman's criminal behavior is incalculable and ongoing," Phillips wrote on her X account. "I cannot get my brother back, but I can plead with you to keep kids safe and show victims that the state of Missouri cares about their suffering more than this convicted felon's freedom.”

More: Branson men, both 34, describe Kanakuk sex abuse, call for camp to be held accountable

Thomas Carver, who represented Newman in the 2010 cases, did not reply to request for comment before publication.

Letters and statements regarding Peter Newman should be directed to Julie Loveall, a senior victim specialist at the Missouri Department of Corrections. Additionally, victims who were named in Taney County's prosecution of Newman may attend the parole hearing in person. For more information, contact Loveall at julie.loveall@doc.mo.gov.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Kanakuk counselor Pete Newman is up for parole. Victim advocates want it denied