Former Ledyard Scout Leader Joseph Dabrow Faces New Sexual Assault Charges in Connecticut

In a disturbing case that highlights the persistence of predatory behavior, Joseph Dabrow, a 68-year-old registered sex offender from Westbrook, Connecticut, has been arrested once again on charges related to the sexual assault of a minor. Dabrow, who previously served as a Boy Scout leader in Ledyard during the 1990s, was taken into custody on December 15, 2025, following an arrest warrant issued by the Superior Court in Middletown. This latest incident stems from allegations dating back to late 2020 and early 2021, when the victim was 15 years old.

Dabrow’s Troubling History

Dabrow’s criminal record dates back decades. In the late 1990s, while leading a Boy Scout troop in Ledyard, he was accused of sexually assaulting multiple teenage boys under his supervision. Court records show he pleaded guilty to these offenses, resulting in a five-year prison sentence handed down in 1999. The charges at the time included risk of injury to a minor and fourth-degree sexual assault. Following his release, Dabrow was required to register as a sex offender, a status he maintains to this day.

Research into his past reveals a pattern: Dabrow was found in possession of child pornography during one investigation, and his actions as a scout leader involved grooming and assaulting minors. Lawsuits filed against the Boy Scouts of America in connection with his case alleged negligence in allowing him access to vulnerable youth. These historical details underscore the gravity of his repeat offenses.

Details of the Current Allegations

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the victim first met Dabrow at community potluck events held at a location in New London around September or October 2020. Initial interactions appeared innocuous, focusing on general topics like school and movies. However, conversations quickly escalated into explicit discussions about sexuality, nudity, and personal habits.

The affidavit describes a grooming process where Dabrow allegedly:

• Introduced sexual topics to normalize inappropriate behavior.
• Provided the minor with alcohol on multiple occasions, including whiskey and wine, despite the victim’s age.
• Showed pornographic images, including both adult and child content, on his devices.
• Made repeated offers to demonstrate or assist with intimate personal grooming.

The physical assaults reportedly occurred on three separate occasions:

1. Late December 2020 or early January 2021 at Dabrow’s garage in Westbrook: After providing alcohol, both undressed, and mutual sexual contact ensued.
2. About two weeks later, a similar incident at the same location.
3. Late February 2021, after the victim turned 16, during a walk near the potluck site in New London.

The victim initially reported non-physical grooming in 2021, leading to earlier charges of impairing the morals of a minor and providing alcohol to a minor. Those charges are still pending in New London Superior Court. However, in August 2025, the now-adult victim came forward with additional details about the physical assaults, prompting the new warrant.

Dabrow was charged with:

• Impairing the Morals of a Minor (C.G.S. § 53-21(a)(2))
• Sexual Assault in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-71)
• Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-73a)

He was released on a $50,000 bond with conditions, including no contact with minors. Attempts to interview Dabrow for this case were unsuccessful, as he declined to speak without an attorney.

Broader Implications

This case adds to a growing list of incidents involving repeat offenders in positions of trust, from scout leaders to community figures. Dabrow’s prior role in the Boy Scouts has drawn renewed scrutiny to organizations that work with youth, especially in light of ongoing lawsuits against the BSA for historical abuse cases.

As the prosecution proceeds in Middletown’s Geographical Area 9 court, more details may emerge. Dabrow’s next court date is pending, but the affidavit paints a clear picture of calculated exploitation over several months.

For those following Connecticut crime news, this serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of such offenses. The victim’s courage in coming forward years later has brought these allegations to light, potentially preventing further harm.

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