The Morals of Disney. Disney Movie's Director a Convicted Child Molester . Hollywood's Victor Salva. He says, 'I paid for my mistakes dearly,' but victim of incident several years ago urges boycott of 'Powder.'

Flashback 1995. The L.A. Times reports:

Walt Disney Studios, a name synonymous with family entertainment, has become embroiled in an unlikely controversy with disclosures that the writer/director of its latest film, "Powder," is a convicted child molester.

Victor Salva, a former child-care worker who impressed Hollywood filmmakers with his early cinematic work, was sentenced to three years in state prison in 1988 for molesting a 12-year-old boy who had acted in two of his films. Salva videotaped one of the encounters.

Salva, 37, declined to be interviewed but issued a statement Tuesday through his agent saying he deeply regretted his actions, adding: "I paid for my mistakes dearly."

The revelations came as the now 20-year-old victim, Nathan Winters of Concord, Calif., picketed a screening of "Powder" on Monday night in Westwood.

Winters passed out leaflets urging the public to boycott the movie and said his family and friends would continue protesting after the film debuts Friday on more than 1,500 screens nationwide.

Winters said he was "in awe" that Disney would even make a movie with Salva.

"I can't believe [Salva] is allowed to work with children again," Winters said. "He should not be allowed around children ever again."

The filmmakers maintained that there were no minors on the set and said they only learned of Salva's criminal record midway through the production. At that point, they said they confronted him and Salva readily admitted his past conviction. He was told to inform the cast and crew.

Still, production sources told The Times that once the filmmakers learned of Salva's background, they "had people watch him."

The virtuous Disney company! Just a reminder, the next time you turn on ESPN . In fairness to Harvey Weinstein, he's not the worst person in his industry....