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Church of Michigan youth leader charged with criminal sexual conduct
Tennessee

Church of Michigan youth leader charged with criminal sexual conduct

(CBS DETROIT) – A 29-year-old Washtenaw County church worker has been indicted on multiple charges, including criminal sexual conduct and charges related to child sexually abusive material.

Michigan State Police began investigating Zachary Radcliff, a former music and youth director at Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, on Oct. 2 after being informed that Radcliff had requested child sexual abuse material from a minor. A search warrant was executed at his office and home.

Police said they have identified several victims and that church leadership has been cooperative during the investigation.

“The information we received was shocking,” Oakwood Church said in a statement. “We were told that Zachary had requested inappropriate photos and possibly videos from teenagers. We heard other stories too. This information tore our hearts. The safety and protection of the people in our church are our top priority. We are committed to doing everything we can to care for the victims of these crimes.”

Radcliff, the son of Oakwood’s senior pastor, was initially suspended from duty on October 3rd and finally fired on October 12th.

“State police were notified by the families involved and our church staff,” the church said. “We are unaware of the full extent of his crimes and are doing all we can to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.”

“We have set up and made counseling services available to all young people and adults affected by this crime. What is being done will be made available to our church family in the coming days. Like you, our hearts are broken. We desire to serve our Master in this community with the understanding that the church family should be one of the safest places in which we can engage. Some of that trust has been broken. Our commitment is to be fully transparent and do what we can to help with this investigation.”

MSP encourages any additional victims to come forward and asks anyone with information about the case to call Trooper Ryan at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174.

If you would like to speak with Oakwood pastors and staff about this case, you can contact them at 734-944-1215 or [email protected].

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