GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — A Kentwood man is in custody for allegedly sexually abusing a minor in Grand Haven.
The encounter happened at hotel in August, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). They say 55-year-old James Richard Beauchamp gave alcohol to a 17-year-old male and touched him inappropriately.
We’re told the Beauchamp also took unsolicited photos of the victim without his knowledge.
Deputies say Beauchamp was arrested on Dec. 1 and arraigned on authorized charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexual abuse, giving alcohol to a minor and using a computer to commit a crime.
The suspect was placed on a $500,000 cash/surety bond.
OCSO says Beauchamp is a former volunteer with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, adding he was known to have contact with young people. We’re told he was not a priest.
The diocese explains Beauchamp was a parish employee. They released the following statement:
"The charges against a former parish employee are deeply troubling. The Diocese of Grand Rapids holds the victim-survivor and his family in our prayers and continues to offer them support on their healing journey. The family reported the incident to the diocese, who forwarded the complaint to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General. The diocese, in conjunction with the parish, will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation.
"The parish pastor terminated Mr. Beauchamp’s employment upon learning of the allegation. In accordance with our diocesan safe environment policies, Mr. Beauchamp had previously passed several background checks, went through Virtus, a safe environment training program that is mandatory for all members of our clergy, volunteers, staff members and teachers, and signed the 'Standards of Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children and Young People.'"
Anyone who may have been victimized by Beauchamp or have other information related to the investigation is urged to connect with deputies by calling 616-738-4025. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT.
