Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Former "Big Brother" Charged With Sex Crimes

From: KAKE
A one time "Big Brothers Big Sisters" volunteer has been arrested for child sex crimes.

Konrad Szyc, 20, was taken into custody by Hutchinson Police. Prosecutors accuse him of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Investigators said Szyc, a native of Warsaw, Poland, met the alleged victim through the Big Brother Big Sister program.

Szyc remains in the Reno County jail on $25,000 bond.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas released the following statement;

"We are aware of the arrest and investigation involving a former volunteer with our organization and are alarmed and deeply saddened by reports of any child being harmed. Because the investigation is in progress, it would be inappropriate and irresponsible for us to discuss or speculate about any specifics.

However, please know that we make child safety our priority. We have zero tolerance for abuse. Our volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks and we provide ongoing professional support for our children and families. We remain committed to improving children's odds for succeeding in school and breaking negative cycles and believe that safety and security are the foundation of the service we provide.

The integrity of our program is extremely important and to achieve the highest quality standards possible, we work to constantly review and strengthen our screening and background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge.

We are working with authorities in the investigation."