A 29-year-old Michigan church youth and music director has been charged with multiple counts of sexually abusive activity toward children.
Michigan State Police said they began an investigation of Zachary Radcliff, the son of the senior pastor of Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, earlier this month after receiving reports that he solicited porn from a minor. The arrest was made after search warrants were served on Radcliff’s home and office, and multiple victims have been identifed, WHMI reported.
Radcliff has been charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct, aggravated child sexually abusive activity, child sexually abusive activity, and using the internet to commit a crime.
The church issued a statement saying that Radcliff was suspended with pay on October 3 and then fired 10 days later after investigators provided more information, WXYZ reported.
“The information that we received was shocking,” the statement said. “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 said it was cooperating with investigators and had set up counseling “for any youth or adults who have been impacted by this crime.”
Radcliff is being held on a $3 million bond and is due in court on October 31, WHMI said.
Michigan State Police urge additional victims or anyone with relevant information to contact Trooper Ryan at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174.
