(Updated) Kilgore investigation confirms Sonoma Valley victims; 20+ new allegations surface

Troubling new information uncovered in investigation of sexual abuse of local children.|

What if you suspect your child may have been sexually abused?

• Open the conversation somewhere your child feels comfortable.

• Ask if anyone has been touching your child in ways that make him or her feel uncomfortable.

• Know that sexual abuse can feel good to the victim, so asking your child if someone is hurting him or her may not get the information that you are looking for.

• If there was something your child said or did that made you concerned, ask specifically about that.

• Ask in a nonjudgmental way, and take care to avoid shaming your child as you ask questions.

• Make sure that your child knows that he or she is not in trouble, you are simply trying to gather more information.

• Talk about times that it is okay not to keep a secret, even if he or she made a promise.

For a comprehensive list of signs that indicate child sexual abuse, vist rainn.org/warning-signs.

To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.

Former Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley athletic director Dwayne Kilgore was arrested Sunday on suspicion of sexually abusing two Sonoma Valley children, ages 10 and 12, “for years” according to the Healdsburg Police Department.

The investigation into Paul Dwayne Kilgore, 68, began Aug. 27 after someone reported “inappropriate language and touching in the hot tub and shower area” between an older man and two boys at Healdsburg’s Parkpoint Health Club.

A witness noticed what felt like inappropriate behavior between Kilgore and the boys, and notified the police. According to Healdsburg Sgt. Luis Rodriguez, the two boys traveled with Kilgore from Sonoma Valley to the Healdsburg health club.

Healdsburg police have released Kilgore’s photo as part of an expanding investigation. Police detectives have now received at least 20 calls from people claiming to be victims or knowing of victims, in incidents ranging from the late 1970s to today, according to Officer Craig Smith of the Healdsburg Police Dept.

It appears Kilgore was known for taking preteen and teenage boys to local recreation areas and on overnight trips, and that on those outings, “lewd acts” occurred, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Healdsburg Police Department.

On Sept. 19, Healdsburg police served a search warrant at Kilgore’s home on Academy Lane in Boyes Hot Springs, where he lives with his elderly father and a sister, and arrested him on two charges of committing three acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under 14 years of age.

Police on Monday searched a storage unit Kilgore kept in Sonoma. Rodriguez said evidence was found in that location corroborating some of what victims told the police.

According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Spencer Crum, bail has been set at $1 million and, unless Kilgore posts bail, he will be held in custody at the Sonoma County Jail in Santa Rosa until Tuesday, Oct. 4 at which time he will appear in court to enter his plea.

Kilgore, using the first name Dwayne, worked at the Boys & Girls Clubs for 11 years, and was a volunteer prior to joining the staff. According to executive director Robert Hughes, Kilgore voluntarily resigned three years ago in September of 2013.

Officer Smith shed some light on the circumstances surrounding Kilgore’s resignation. “What we can say is that Dwayne Kilgore left the Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley in 2013 as a result of a change in policy that required that he no longer associate with kids outside of Club hours.”

Hughes said the Club is in touch with the Healdsburg police and has offered to provide any information that is helpful to the investigation. He noted that he “can’t comment on personnel issues and would not be able to discuss Dwayne’s file.”

On behalf of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Hughes released a statement on Wednesday morning.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley is shocked and saddened to learn that a former employee at the Club was recently arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor. We are deeply concerned by these allegations, and are fully committed to cooperating with the local authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation of this serious matter. The former employee has not been associated with the Club since 2013.

“The safety and well-being of the youth we serve is the absolute top priority of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. Our organization is committed to the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity, and does not tolerate inappropriate or illegal activity on the part of any Club staff, volunteer or youth member. All employees and volunteers must undergo a thorough criminal background check. We will withhold further comment until all the facts are determined and the legal process has concluded.”

Kilgore’s previous employment includes a brief stint with the Boys & Girls Club of Petaluma's after-school program in 2014, as well as for the San Bruno Rec Center and for St. Robert’s Catholic School in San Bruno.

The Index-Tribune has received several emails from adults who interacted with Kilgore during his time in San Bruno during the 1970s and ‘80s alleging behavior consistent with what Healdsburg law enforcement officials are reporting.

“The best thing the community can do at this time is to rally around and provide support and resources to the potential victims and their families,” said Officer Smith. “We hope that parents will talk to their children if needed, and the resources provided by the Sonoma County Family Justice Center are a good place to get help with that.” (fjcsc.org)

Officer Smith provided specific instructions for anyone who has relevant information for this investigation. “If you feel you are a victim in this case or have information for us, please contact the police department in the location where the incident took place to file a police report. The Healdsburg Police will coordinate in the local agencies in this investigation.” Officer Craig Smith is at 431-3377; the Sonoma County Sheriff is at 565-1212.

If anyone has additional information to share as we continue to report on this story, call Lorna Sheridan at 933-2733 or lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.

What if you suspect your child may have been sexually abused?

• Open the conversation somewhere your child feels comfortable.

• Ask if anyone has been touching your child in ways that make him or her feel uncomfortable.

• Know that sexual abuse can feel good to the victim, so asking your child if someone is hurting him or her may not get the information that you are looking for.

• If there was something your child said or did that made you concerned, ask specifically about that.

• Ask in a nonjudgmental way, and take care to avoid shaming your child as you ask questions.

• Make sure that your child knows that he or she is not in trouble, you are simply trying to gather more information.

• Talk about times that it is okay not to keep a secret, even if he or she made a promise.

For a comprehensive list of signs that indicate child sexual abuse, vist rainn.org/warning-signs.

To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.

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