Director of women's rehab 'camp' accused of sex offense

Jeffery Lynn McLain, 64, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Sheriff's deputies told Channel 9 that McLain runs Ace Camp Givebac (sic) off Ted Melton Road.

The secluded camp sits in the woods several miles south of Chesterfield. Deputies described it as mobile home type buildings used as bungalows, a pond, a central outdoor area and a main house, where McLain lives.

"It basically looks like a summer camp or any other type of camp," Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Steve Breland said.

The camp's website touts better treatment at less cost, calling itself a retreat counseling environment for women who still require 24-hour structure, but not medical care, for their addiction.

Women can stay there as long as 90 days, receive counseling and find inner piece, according to the website.

McLain was arrested Wednesday after one of his clients said that about two weeks ago, he rubbed his genitals against her back while she was at a computer. She said it happened again
Tuesday.

Several women told deputies that the camp limits cellphone access for clients, so some of them left to call police.

Lyn McGee, the mother of one of those women, spoke to Channel 9 by phone about what happened after the alleged assault.

"Five girls, one of them being my daughter, took off on foot, got out of there. They walked down a long road, finally got to a house and called for help," she said.

McGee said the camp was highly recommended and she thought nothing of its remote location. She said McLain seemed friendly and professional when she met him.

Now, she's shocked and upset.

"I hope that they get the warrant and do the right thing, and we all deserve our money back," she said.

Such treatment alternatives are often not covered by insurance, and they're not cheap, Breland said.

"These women are paying thousands of dollars to go out there and receive this rehabilitation," he said.

The nonprofit Ace Camp Givebac has been operating since 1994, according to a sign hung from a gate at the road.

Breland said deputies are looking into the business operations of the camp as well.

Investigators said it appears McLain was running the operation by himself. That was a surprise to McGee, who thought that his ex-wife was also involved.

Now she's concerned about other women staying there, trying to beat substance abuse.

"You're trusting that they're going to help your daughter with the issues that she's having, and instead, they're holding them captive there and molesting them," she said.

McLain currently faces one sex charge. However, two other women who are clients came forward Thursday morning. Deputies are now investigating their similar claims as well.

McLain was still in jail late Thursday and had not yet had a bond hearing.

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