Michigan Church Youth Director Charged With Sexually Abusing Children
A music and youth director at a Michigan church is facing several charges in connection to the sexual abuse of children, including criminal sexual conduct and charges related to child sexually abusive material.
29- year-old Zachary Radcliff was an employee at Oakwood Church in Augusta Township. He is also the son of senior pastor, Frank Radcliffe.
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According to First District Michigan State Police, the investigation began Oct. 2 when authorities received information that Radcliffe solicited sexually abusive material from a minor.
Police executed search warrants at Radcliffe's home and office.
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The investigation is ongoing. So far, multiple victims have been identified.
MSP says that Leadership at Oakwood Church have been cooperative.
Oakwood Church did release a statement on the matter, saying, in part,
We received some very disturbing news about our music and youth director, Zachary Radcliff... Zach was terminated from his job, without pay effective Saturday, October 12th.
The State Police were notified by families that were involved and our church staff. We are not aware of the full extent of his crimes, and we are doing everything we can to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.
The information that we received was shocking. We were told that Zachary had been soliciting inappropriate photos and possibly videos from teens. We have also heard other stories. This information has ripped our hearts apart. The safety and protection of the individuals in our church is what is paramount to us. We are devoted to doing what we can for the care of the victims of these crimes.
The church says they have set up counseling for anyone who has been affected and are committed to being transparent and helping with the investigation.
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Michigan State Police ask anyone with information on the situation to contact Trooper Ryan of the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174.
