Church youth director who performed at CPAC charged with child sex crimes, MI cops say
A church’s music and youth director, who is the son of its senior pastor, has been arrested and charged with child sex crimes, Michigan authorities say.
Michigan State Police said its investigation began Oct. 2, when troopers learned Oakwood Church employee Zachary Radcliff had solicited child sexually abusive material from a minor.
Court records show the offenses occurred in 2014. The victim, who is now an adult, recently came forward with their allegations, according to WWJ.
After executing search warrants at Radcliff’s office and home, troopers learned there were multiple victims, state police said in an Oct. 21 news release.
Radcliff, 29, was arrested and faces 11 charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct and child sexually abusive activity, court records show. He was jailed on a $3 million bond.
Oakwood Church called the allegations against Radcliff “very disturbing” to hear. Radcliff was suspended Oct. 3 and fired Oct. 12, the church said.
“We were told that Zachary had been soliciting inappropriate photos and possibly videos from teens,” the church said in a statement shared on Facebook. “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.”
State police has asked any possible victims to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 517-899-6174.
In addition to his roles at the church, Radcliff is a professional country and Christian recording artist, according to his Facebook page.
As originally reported by The Saline Post, Radcliff performed at the 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference. The news outlet said he is well known in the community and has performed at several other churches.
Oakwood Church, in Ypsilanti, is led by Frank Radcliff, Zachary Radcliff’s father.
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Church youth director who performed at CPAC charged with child sex crimes, MI cops say."