(This story was updated to add new information)
John Steven Sorovetz, 65, of Newport has been arrested and arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges following an investigation, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Sorovetz had served as a local Boy Scout leader and was a Berlin Township trustee until resigning in May.
Sorovetz turned himself in after being notified of outstanding felony warrants, according to the news release.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 20 in Monroe County District Court. He posted a $50,000 bond Aug. 5, according to online court records.
Sorovetz is charged with criminal sexual conduct, second degree relationship; three counts of criminal sexual conduct, fourth-degree multiple variables; and children, accosting for immoral purposes in a second case.
“He was arraigned on charges, including a felony count of Accosting for Immoral Purposes and four felony counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct involving multiple victims. Given the pattern of behavior uncovered throughout this lengthy investigation, authorities suspect there may be additional individuals who have been victimized by Sorovetz,” the sheriff’s office news release said.
“People shouldn’t rush to judgement. We’re looking forward to our day in court,” said James J. Makowski, Sorovetz’s attorney.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
In February, 2026, a Rockwood minor and his mother filed a civil lawsuit in Wayne County Court alleging grooming behavior by Sorovetz.
In March 2026, a second lawsuit was filed in Monroe County Court against Sorovetz, alleging he sexually abused a girl from Monroe County.
Flood Law and Lipton Law filed both lawsuits. Todd Flood, founder and managing partner of Flood Law, and Jody Lipton, owner and managing partner of Lipton Law, issued this statement: “Our clients came forward when it would have been easier to stay quiet. Today, Monroe County heard them. We thank the Prosecutor’s Office for treating this case with the seriousness it deserves. John Sorovetz served as an assistant scoutmaster with Troop 508 in Rockwood. Parents trusted him with their sons. That trust is exactly what makes these charges so serious. Mr. Sorovetz will have his day in court, and a jury will have the final word. Our position has not changed. We believe our clients. We have from day one. And we will stand with these families as their fight moves from the civil courts into the criminal justice system.”
Sorovetz had served as a Berlin Township trustee for nearly 15 years. In a letter to the township dated May 17, 2026, Sorovetz said he was resigning because of “ongoing physical health issues and a desire to spend much more time with my family.”
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Former Boy Scout leader arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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By Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News | USA TODAY Network
