North Tonawanda Girl Scout leader faces new sex abuse charges

Jun. 19--A North Tonawanda Girl Scout leader already charged with sexual abuse in Niagara County is facing new charges stemming from incidents that authorities say took place in Amherst.

Marty M. Walton, 31, is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two child victims between March 27 and May 9 at an unidentified location in the town, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

He was arraigned Friday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio, acting as an Amherst town justice, on charges of criminal sexual act and sexual abuse, both felonies, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

Prosecutors would not provide the age or gender of the children, say how Walton knew them, say whether the children were Girl Scouts nor say whether they are the same children Walton is accused of abusing in Niagara County.

On May 29 Walton was arraigned virtually in Niagara County Court on sexual abuse and child endangerment charges in a case that involved two children. Authorities have released few details on this case as well.

Walton's wife, Shani, is charged with child endangerment in Niagara County but does not face charges in Erie County.

The Girl Scouts of Western New York issued a statement following the Waltons' arrest late last month expressing distress at the charges and saying the Waltons had been removed from their positions.

The organization also noted that Marty Walton had passed all required criminal background checks.

The Waltons have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Marty Walton is scheduled to return on July 10 for a felony hearing on the Erie County charges. He was remanded without bail.

If convicted on the Erie County charges, Walton faces up to 25 years in prison.

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