WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A Washtenaw County church leader is facing multiple charges, including criminal sexual conduct and child abuse.
Zachary Radcliff, 29, a music and youth director of Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, is accused of soliciting child sexually abusive material from teens.
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Police searched Radcliff’s office in October 2024, where they identified multiple victims during the investigation.
According to the police, the leadership of the Oakwood Church has been cooperative and transparent throughout the ongoing investigation.
Initially charged over 10 years ago
Court records show Radcliff was initially charged with four counts of child abuse and one count of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree in June 2014.
Radcliff was arraigned in the 14A District Court in Ann Arbor on Oct. 20, 2024, with the initial charges from 2014 and additional charges of the following:
- Six counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime
- Two counts of Aggravated Child Sexually Abusive Activity
- Two counts of Child Sexually Abusive Activity
Oakwood Church responds
Oakwood Church released a statement on their website, saying Radcliff was originally suspended with pay on Oct. 3 pending further investigation. After more information was given to the church on Oct. 12, Radcliff was fired from his job.
“The information that we received was shocking. 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.
Every one of our staff members and individuals working with our children, teens, and adults go through background checks. We do our level best to make sure all are protected."
Oakwood Church
The church is providing counseling for anyone who was impacted by the crimes.
Ongoing investigation
Anyone with information should contact Trooper Ryan of the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.
What we don’t know
It’s unclear why Radcliff was arraigned for his 2014 charges ten years later. Court records show he was arraigned on Oct. 20, 2024, with his charges from 2014 and his ten additional charges.
