Community devastated by Patrick Sanders' alleged actions - KTRE.com | Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas

Community devastated by Patrick Sanders' alleged actions

By Holley Nees - bio | email

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - An Eagle Scout, Lufkin High Schoool graduate, director of the Lufkin Boys and Girls Club for 13 years, and a recipient of the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club.   Patrick Sanders was involved in the community that's now devastated by his alleged actions.

"It kind of rocks your foundation a little bit.  The folks that you trust, that you trust with your children that betrays that trust.  It leaves you questioning a lot of the things that you do," said Lufkin Independent School District Superintendent Roy Knight.

"I was on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors here for seven or eight years and I know how it is to have people there that are of high character and sometimes you get shocked and you get surprised," Lufkin ISD Athletic Director John Outlaw said.

The arrest affadavit said some of the images were of a nude 17 year-old-boy.   Police said that boy was a past member of the club.

"Mr. Sanders did admit to taking those pictures of the 17-year-old boy.  That boy was identified, he was interviewed and admitted to posing for those pictures.  Some of the pictures were taken at Mr. Sanders former residence and some of the pictures were taken in the shower area at the Boys and Girls Club," said Lufkin Police Department Lt. David Young. 

Shocked, but not quick to condemn.

"I'm not going to judge somebody until I walk in his shoes," said Outlaw.

Knight has high hopes for the future.

"I look forward to the Boys and Girls Club continuing to serve our children in a healthy fashion and they're committed to that as well.  And, they'll work to overcome this tragic day for our Boys and Girls Club," Knight said.

Again, this Patrick Sanders is not to be confused with  the person of the same name with Nacogdoches Head Start.