[Maru]

It's an excuse because he has the ability to put more people up who can add their eyes to it. In fact, it would be skeevy if he were acting as a sort of lone wolf. No way he would be totally objective and not be scared of his own britches. He of all people had the ability to attach more appropriate resources.

In the US some States have "mandatory reporter" laws so he would've had to send it to police under those laws. If a professional/institution has reasonable information about possible child abuse, they're meant to report it immediately to authorities. If they don't, they can lose their job.. or worse. Clergy are often required. Texas includes them:

https://texas.public.law/statutes/te...ection_261.101

The requirement to report under this section applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental health professional, an employee or member of a board that licenses or certifies a professional, and an employee of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services.