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    • Washtenaw Co. church youth leader charged with criminal sexual conduct
    Tennessee

    Washtenaw Co. church youth leader charged with criminal sexual conduct

    Eira Gwyneth Posted on

    The music and youth director of a Washtenaw County church has been charged in connection with alleged criminal sexual conduct and child sexually abusive activity, officials and court records show.

    Zachary Joseph Radcliff, 29, of Saline, was arraigned Sunday in 14A District Court in Ann Arbor on multiple charges, according to the Washtenaw County District Attorney’s Office and court records.

    District Attorney Eli Savit said Radcliff is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of aggravated child sexual abuse, two counts of child sexual abuse and six counts of using a computer to commit a felony.

    A judge set bail for Radcliff at $3 million and scheduled his next court hearing for Oct. 31, according to court records.

    No attorney was listed for Radcliff in court records Monday.

    If convicted, Radcliff could face life in prison on the criminal sexual conduct charge, up to 25 years in prison on each of the aggravated child sexual abuse charges, up to 20 years on each child sexual abuse charge, and more for anyone who Using a computer to commit a crime carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, Savit said.

    Saline police officials said Monday the case is being investigated by MSP.

    Investigators received information that Radcliff had solicited child sexually abusive material from a minor on Oct. 2, the Michigan State Police First District said Tuesday on X.

    MSP’s investigation is ongoing and leadership at Radcliff’s church, Oakwood Church, has been cooperative and transparent, the post said.

    According to public records, Radcliff is the son of Frank Radcliff, senior pastor at Oakwood Church in Ypsilanti. The defendant is also the church’s music and youth leader, according to a statement on the website regarding the allegations.

    Church officials were not immediately available for comment.

    According to the church’s website, Radcliff was suspended on Oct. 3 pending further investigation. Officers learned more information on the afternoon of Oct. 12 and met with Radcliff that evening and the next day. Radcliff was fired from his job without pay effective Oct. 12.

    Church officials heard that Radcliff had requested inappropriate photos and possibly videos of teenagers, although they did not know the full extent of Radcliff’s alleged crimes, according to the statement.

    “We have heard other stories too,” the statement said. “The information tore our hearts apart. The safety and protection of the people in our church are our top priority. We are committed to doing all we can to care for the victims of these crimes.”

    Oakwood Church employees who work with children are subject to background checks, according to the statement. The church offers counseling for youth and adults affected by Radcliff’s alleged crimes.

    In the statement, church officials urged anyone with information to contact Detective Sgt. Dan Drewyor of the MSP Brighton Post at (810) 277-1051 or [email protected].

    MSP said to contact Trooper Ryan at the MSP Brighton Post at (517) 899-6174 with tips.

    The charges against Radcliff are the latest allegations of sexual abuse against a Metro Detroit church leader.

    Last month, a Brighton worship leader was indicted, accused of turning a hidden camera on and off in a bathroom for the past two years. Prosecutors charged Will Johnson, 37, with tampering with evidence, surveillance of an unclothed person, a felony and using a computer to commit a felony.

    In August, a well-known Detroit pastor was charged with sexually assaulting a high school boy in Farmington Hills. The Rev. Kenneth Flowers, 63, pastor of the Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, was charged with third-degree sexual assault and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration.

    Last year, 29-year-old Luis Mendoza of Clinton Township was accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 15-year-old girl and indicted. Prosecutors said Mendoza volunteered at a church as a musician and in the youth group.

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    @CharlesERamirez

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    Eira Gwyneth
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