A Washington County investigation is underway after deputies say a drug-and-firearms operation was uncovered on the grounds of a Girl Scouts camp in West Bend, turning a place better known for badges and campfires into an active crime scene.
According to Washington County deputies, the discovery at Camp Silver Brook came on March 15, when they responded to a domestic violence call at a home on the camp property. They arrested 48-year-old Paul David, who lived on-site with his wife and two children. Girl Scouts officials said the employee has been placed on leave and that no scouts were harmed, according to WPEC.
What Deputies Say They Found
Once investigators started looking around, the list of what they say they uncovered was extensive. Court documents state that investigators found nearly 700 grams of marijuana, nine marijuana plants, psychoactive mushrooms, and 13 guns stored in areas accessible to children, according to WPEC.
Deputies say David is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Authorities report he has since posted bail, left the campgrounds, and is barred from coming within 1,000 feet of the property. His next court appearance is scheduled for May.
Legal Implications
Under federal law, people convicted of felonies are generally barred from possessing firearms. The federal statute that provides the basis for prosecution in those cases is 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), according to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School.
On top of any potential federal gun case, prosecutors could pursue state-level charges related to the drugs or to storing weapons where children live or visit. Any penalties would depend on which counts are ultimately filed and what evidence is presented in court.
Camp Context and Response
Camp Silver Brook is operated by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast and, according to the council’s website, hosts troop camping and day-camp programming. As the investigation moves forward, the council is directing families to its official site for scheduling and safety information.
