BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Police say a Girl Scout co-leader in North Tonawanda and his volunteer wife are both charged in connection with the sexual abuse of two young children.
Authorities say Marty and Shani Walton were virtually arraigned in Niagara County Court on Friday.
Marty is charged with sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.
Shani is charged with endangering a child.
Both pleaded not guilty.
The victims are eight and nine years old, and a judge ordered a full order of protection for each victim.
Amherst police are investigating other incidents possibly involving the couple.
Right now we don't know if the victims were members of the Girl Scouts.
The Girl Scouts released this statement Saturday afternoon:
"First, we at the Girl Scouts of Western New York want to voice our concern for the two children and we want them to have the best-possible care and support.
Though we immediately contacted police officials for details, we do not yet know whether the victims are involved in Girl Scouts.
Nonetheless, we would reinforce that there is nothing more important to Girl Scouts than the safety and well-being of all children, and we take all such allegations very seriously."
