YPSILANTI, Mich. (WXYZ) — A man who was a music and youth director at a church in Washtenaw County is facing several charges in connection to sexual abuse of children.
Zachary Radcliff, 29, was arraigned on charges of criminal sexual conduct and possession of child sexually abusive material, among others, Michigan State Police said. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office says the alleged crimes are reported to have taken place over the course of the last 10 years.
Radcliff was an employee of Oakwood Church in Ypsilanti and is the son of the senior pastor.
MSP said the investigation started on Oct. 2 when it was found that Radcliff asked for sexually abusive material from a minor. Investigators say multiple victims have been identified. 7 News Detroit is showing Radcliff's mug shot as police believe there could be other victims.
Police said church leaders have been cooperating with the investigation. Church leadership says Radcliff was removed from his role within an hour of evidence of wrongdoing coming to light.
Oakwood Church sent out a statement:
We received some very disturbing news about our music and youth director, Zachary Radcliff who is also the son of our senior pastor, Frank Radcliff. We realized while talking to him that there was more to the situation than was being expressed. He was suspended with pay on October 3rd, pending further investigation. More information was given to us on Saturday, October 12th, at 4:00 in the afternoon. Pastoral staff met with our church that evening and Sunday morning. 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.
Every one of our staff members and individuals working with our children, teens, and adults go through background checks. We do our level best to make sure all are protected.
We have counseling that is being set up and provided for any youth or adults who have been impacted by this crime. What is being done will be provided to our church family in the next few days. Like you, our hearts are broken. We have a desire to serve our Master in this community, with the understanding that the church family should be one of the safest places we can be involved in. Part of that trust has been broken. Our commitment is to be completely transparent and do what we can to help with this investigation.
If you have any information that would help in this investigation, please contact D/Sgt. Dan Drewyor, Michigan State Police, Brighton Post. 810-227-1051 or drewyord@michigan.gov.
If you would like to speak with one of our pastors or staff about this, please call us at 734-944-1215 or contact us at info@oakwoodchurch.org.
7 News Detroit also spoke to Oakwood senior Pastor Frank Radcliff on Tuesday to offer an on camera interview. While Frank Radcliff declined, he reiterated the church's commitment to transparency and said they are fully cooperating so all responsible parties will be held accountable.
For the last few years, Oakwood has rented out space for worship at the Lincoln Community United Methodist Church in Ypsilanti. On Tuesday, 7 News Detroit spoke to Pastor Christopher Butson who heads that church.
"Our hearts are broken for the victims first and foremost and Zach’s family who were blindsided by this news. I’ve come to know them over the last few years and I’m just heartbroken for his father and mother and sisters," Butson said. "I am surprised that it's someone that I personally know, but I'm not ever surprised to hear of news like this."
Butson says this is an reminder to other faith leaders to review and update the protections they have in place for children and follow them without exception.
"Clergy and churches have to earn folks' trust and as a clergymen myself, I think that everyone should treat those with any kind of power with a little suspicion and ask questions: how are we protecting children in our communities," Butson said.
MSP is encouraging any other potential victims to come forward. You can contact Trooper Ryan of the Brighton Post at 517-899-6174.
