Former Menifee Scout Leader Gets 24 Years for Sex Crimes

A Menifee resident and former Boy Scout Troop leader was sentenced today to 24 years in state prison on three counts of lewd acts on a child by force or duress.

Jason Wayne Freeman, 39, received eight-year sentences for each count, to be served consecutively.

Freeman was arrested exactly one year ago -- Dec. 12, 2012 -- after he was caught in bed with the 13-year-old daughter of family friends. According to police reports, the girl's father heard noises coming from her bedroom late that night and discovered Freeman in bed with the girl. Freeman jumped out a window and escaped but was later arrested and charged with lewd acts with a child under 14.

Freeman was relieved of his duties as assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 444 in Menifee immediately following his arrest. He also served previously as director of the Menifee Youth Foundation.

According to court documents, the girl said Freeman had molested her on three or four occasions, kissing her and performing sex acts on her.