A West Michigan Boy Scout leader who authorities said hid cameras in his home to record undressed girls has been sentenced for sexual exploitation.
A federal court judge on Tuesday gave Robert Alan Mark, 59, more than 17 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey said Wednesday.
The judge also ordered the Whitehall resident to serve seven years of supervised release after his prison sentence and register as a sex offender, according to VerHey.
“Mark richly deserved the sentence he got,” VerHey said in a statement. “Anyone who sexually exploits children deserves a decisive response from the criminal justice system, and he got it here.”
The defendant’s attorney, Charles Chamberlain, was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.
However, in a sentencing memo submitted to the court, Chamberlain wrote his client was remorseful about what he had done. His memo said that when police “asked him what the girls would think if they had known what he had done, and his answer was ‘betrayed.'”
The memo also said Mark “repeatedly expressed concern for them — and the boys — while acknowledging his transgressions” throughout the police interview.
Chamberlin also submitted an apology letter Mark wrote in August 2025.
“I am very sorry for all of this,” the letter said. “I did not want to hurt anyone or the troop. Anything I can do to help answer any questions, I will. I want the best for all of them, always will. I am ashamed and embarrassed by my actions. They deserve better from me. I failed everyone I care about and it hurts deeply.”
How the case unfolded
Authorities said Mark was a longtime troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America. After the organization allowed girls to join their ranks, he served as the leader for troops that included female members.
Investigators said scouts and their parents told them Mark often hosted pool parties at his home and encouraged the girls to use his bathroom to shower and change.
FBI agents and Michigan State Police investigators said Mark had hidden video cameras in his home’s bathroom, a bedroom, and a tent. Officials alleged he used the cameras to record young girls undressing, showering, and using the bathroom for a decade. They also said videos and photos showed he recorded at least eight girls, all minors.
Federal officials filed a criminal complaint against Mark in December 2025, according to court records. He was indicted and arraigned in January.
“What really got our attention was that Mark used Scouting America to get access to them,” the U.S. Attorney said. “Now more than ever, our communities need organizations like Scouting America to help our kids learn the best traditional American values, and that means we will do whatever is necessary to keep deviants like Mark far away.”
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, added: “Scout leaders are trusted to protect our children, not exploit them. This sentence reflects the depravity of his conduct, and makes clear that those who victimize our children will be held fully accountable.”
Mark is the latest to be accused of sexually exploiting a minor in Michigan.
Earlier this week, a Warren man accused of child pornography offenses was charged with multiple felonies.
Last week, a Taylor man was accused of possessing and distributing child pornography by FBI agents.
Also, a Grosse Ile man facing several child pornography-related charges was ordered held without bond last week after FBI agents raided his home.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
@CharlesERamirez
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: West Michigan scout leader who filmed girls in shower sentenced
Reporting by Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
