Search on for other victims of Boise police officer

BOISE (AP) - New evidence indicates a former Boise police officer charged with molesting four children may have victimized others as well when he patrolled area schools, said investigators who are making attempts to find those people.

On another front, police said they are also investigating whether some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have known about the reported abuse but did not report it to law enforcement.

Stephen R. Young, 58, last week was charged in 4th District Court with four counts of lewd conduct that police said occurred in Ada County between 2005 and 2008.

Detectives this week said they are looking for additional people who may have been victimized by Young when he worked for about 10 years as a school resource officer.

"We know that Steve Young lived and worked around young people on a daily basis for many years," said Ada County Detective Craig Durrell. "We'd like to hear from anyone in the community who has information about inappropriate behavior he may have shown, especially toward children. It is important for us to talk with these other victims to get them any help they may need and to ensure that justice is served in this case."

Young retired unexpectedly in February, ending a career that began in 1978. According to authorities, another Boise police officer who attends the same LDS church in Eagle as Young learned about the possible abuse after Young confessed to his wife in January.

The other officer then urged Young to turn himself in to Ada County sheriff's detectives, which Young did on March 2. According to court records, Young confessed that some of the abuse went back more than three decades.

Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney said that, due to the seriousness of the allegations, the investigation into what church members knew is needed.

"We absolutely respect the confidentiality of religious confessions and their protection within the law," said Raney. "However, our concern is also for the victims. Promptly reporting abuse to law enforcement allows us to provide immediate help to victims and put a stop to the abuse. When people choose not to report these crimes, the long-term impact on victims can be terrible."

Church officials, in a statement, said they helped persuade Young to turn himself in. They also said he has been excommunicated.

"In fact, this matter came to light because local church leaders worked with Steve Young, consistent with clergy privilege required by Idaho law, resulting in a confession by Mr. Young to the proper authorities," the statement said.

Young is scheduled to enter a plea during a March 22 preliminary hearing. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.