A lawsuit filed in Athens has alleged a “systematic and pervasive cover-up” of sexual abuse of Boy Scouts by leaders of the regional and national organization and sponsoring churches.

Darren Penn, former president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, filed the complaint in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court on behalf of two former Scouts allegedly abused by a leader when they were minors. One is named only by initials. The complaint said his identity is being made known to the defendants through separate communications.

The defendants are the Boy Scouts of America as well as its Northeast Georgia Council, two Athens churches and the estate of a deceased leader. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a concerted effort to conceal the identities of Boy Scout leaders accused of sexually abusing children in their care.