An Orlando man who serves as a district executive for the Boy Scouts of America has been arrested for allegedly battering and molesting three children.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested 53-year-old John Bruce Larsen on Thursday, January 13 and charged him with two counts of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 years of age, two counts of sexual battery on a child 12 or older, and four counts of lewd molestation.
In December, a Child Protective Investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families responded to a report made by parents at a local school regarding their children. According to an OCSO report, the parents stated their two sons and one of their sons’ friends all had been “touched repeatedly” by Larsen for “several years.”
When interviewed, one of the children indicated that Larsen had been “touching him and performing sexual acts on him since he was approximately eight years old.” The report indicates that after the child detailed his experience, the child’s younger sibling came forward and reported that he had also been touched. The third child then shared his experience, echoing those of the siblings.
During the investigation, the detective discovered that Larsen is the District Executive for the Central Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America. Larsen represented the Lake District, which covers northern Lake County and Apopka. According to the report, Larsen worked with children daily and went to schools to recruit children to join the organization.
As a result, detectives believe there could be more victims.
Anyone who may have been a victim or has information about John Bruce Larsen should reach out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sex Crimes Unit at 407-254-7000 Ext. 70641 or Ext. 70557.