AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, Michigan — A man who worked as youth pastor at a Michigan church also performed as a Christian rock singer has been arrested after he was accused of sexual misconduct involving children.
Zachary Radcliff, 29, who worked at Oakwood Church and is the son of the senior pastor, Frank Radcliff, is charged with criminal sexual misconduct, two counts aggravated child sexually abusive activity, two counts of child sexually abusive activity, and five counts of using a computer/internet to commit a crime, and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, according to a news release from Michigan State Police. All of the counts are felonies.
The investigation into Zachary Radcliff started on Oct. 2 when police were told he had solicited “child sexually abusive Material from a minor.” Authorities have searched both Radcliff’s office and his home and say they have identified multiple victims.
Police say investigators believe the abuse started as early as 2011 and involved children between 12 and 17 years old. The investigation is ongoing and police are encouraging other possible victims to come forward.
Oakwood Church is cooperating with the investigation, police say. A statement from the church says Radcliff was suspended with pay on Oct. 3 and was fired on Oct. 12 as more information became available.
“The information that we received was shocking,” the statement says. “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 says it is offering counseling to both children and parents impacted by the reported incidents.
“Like you, our hearts are broken,” the statement says. “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.”
NBC News reports Radcliff appeared as a musician at the 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). He reportedly was a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and posted a video on YouTube of himself performing “I’ll Stand” in November 2019 as part of the convocation at Liberty University.
Radcliff is scheduled to appear in court next Thursday in Washtenaw County.