Michigan Church Pastor’s Son Faces Life in Prison
Former worship director and interim youth pastor, Zachary Radcliff at Oakwood Church in Saline, Michigan, where his father, Frank Radcliff, is the lead pastor, now faces the possibility of life in prison after being charged with multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of minors.
The 29-year-old has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, two counts of child sexually abusive activity, and six counts of using the internet to communicate with another to commit a crime, according to MLive.
A statement on the church’s website announced that officials suspended the youth director with pay on October 3, following “very disturbing news” about him, pending further investigation. After receiving further information on October 12, the pastoral staff terminated Zachary Radcliff’s employment, effective immediately and without pay.
The church stated, “The state police were notified by the families that were involved and our church staff. We are not aware of the full extent of his crimes; we are doing everything we can to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation.”
“The information that we received was shocking. We were told that Zachary had been soliciting inappropriate photos, and possibly videos, from teens. We’ve also heard other troubling accounts. This information has ripped our hearts apart,” they added. “The safety and protection of everyone 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.”
Frank Radcliff expressed his shock upon discovering his son’s “double life.”
He told MLive, “I’ve been as shocked as everyone else.” The difficult thing about someone living a double life is that you’re unaware of it.”
Although he couldn’t confirm the ages of the minors involved, Frank Radcliff stated that the allegations, which court records indicate date back to June 2014 when his son was 19, involved only teenagers.
Zachary Radcliff was appointed interim youth director in 2022, though he had been active in the church’s music department for nearly eight years. His now-deactivated artist profile on the Liberty Music Group website identifies him as a graduate of Liberty University’s School of Music, as well as an artist and songwriter signed to the Liberty Music Group: God and Country Record Label.
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The profile states, “He has a passion not only as a musician and songwriter but also as a public citizen to do his part to make this country the best it can be. His country style and humble blue-collar background influence his musical style and fan base. He has a passion for God, country, and music, which is exuded in his personality.”
He performed his song “I’ll Stand” in 2019 at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
The church now offers counselling to community members affected by the recent news and has reassured congregations of its commitment to maintaining a safe church environment.
The church officials added, “What is being done will be provided to our church family in the next few days. Like you, our hearts are broken. 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.”.
Frank Radcliff stated that while a few members had expressed concerns about his son serving as worship director, no one had come forward with allegations of abuse against him. Zachary Radcliff was arraigned on Sunday and assigned a $3 million bond.
He is currently held in the Washington County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 31.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact D/Sgt. Dan Drewyor of the Michigan State Police, Brighton Post, at 810-227-1051 or via email at drewyord@michigan.gov.
Frank Radcliff added, “We are truly heartbroken, and our primary concern is for the individuals who were harmed.” We are doing everything we can.”
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.detroitnaacp.org/featured/press-statement-michigan-state-police-must-do-better
