LAKE PARK —
An area youth camp organizer was recently released on a $7,500 property bond after being arrested on a sexual battery charge, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Monday.
On Oct. 7, Lowndes County officials arrested Lynn Cooper “Lindy” Evans, 68, and charged him with misdemeanor sexual battery, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest followed a relative’s claim of sexual assault, authorities said. The victim told investigators she was asleep when she was approached and touched in an inappropriate manner, according to reports.
The woman ran from the residence.
Authorities did not report the woman’s age nor did the sheriff’s office identify who lived at the residence where the incident reportedly occurred.
The sheriff’s office investigated the woman’s claim then filed the charge.
Evans appeared before a Lowndes County magistrate judge and was released on bond. The investigation is ongoing.
Evans is best known for his work with Camp GOLIJA, a Lake Park fishing camp devoted to kids. He is listed as the contact person on the GOLIJA website. Other websites identify him as the camp’s president.
The camp is located along Highway 41 South on Porter Road, and offers a five-day, four-night fishing camp adventure. Each camp can accommodate up to 16 youth at a time and five to six counselors. Camp GOLIJA works with an estimated 500 mostly at-risk youth per year, according to the website. The camp is held four times during the summer months.
While young men are the predominant participants in the outdoor activity of fishing, girls have been known to take advantage of the camp as well. GOLIJA does offer a camp that is designed strictly for the girls.
Though not an employee, Evans wrote a weekly fishing column that ran in The Times for many years. The column was discontinued years ago.
If anyone has additional information pertaining to this crime, call the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 671-2900.
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