Former Youth/Music Leader Faces 33 Counts, Including Aggravated Child Sexual Abuse
At hearing last week, charges against Zachary Radcliff tripled.
A former youth minister and music director at Oakwood Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is now facing 33 charges, many of which involve child sexual abuse.
Zach Radcliffe / YouTube screenshot
Zachary Radcliff, 29, son of Oakwood Church senior pastor Frank Radcliff, was originally arraigned on October 20 for 11 charges. A bond for $3 million was set, which does not appear yet to have been paid.
On November 25, a proceeding revealed over 20 additional charges. The charged offenses listed on the Michigan courts website date back 10 years to June 2014.
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Radcliff is charged with multiple felonies, including first degree criminal sexual conduct, aggravated child sexually abusive activity, criminal sexual conduct with someone under age 13, and internet communication with others to commit a crime. At least some of the charges carry potential life prison terms and a lifetime of electronic monitoring.
According to the elder Radcliff, Zachary was “terminated from his job, without pay effective Saturday, October 12.” He had served at the church for almost eight years, the elder Radcliff told MinistryWatch in October.
On October 21, the Michigan State Police posted a news release stating, “The investigation started on October 2, 2024, when information was received that Mr. Radcliff solicited Child Sexually Abusive Material from a minor. Search warrants were executed at both Mr. Radcliff’s office and residence. The investigation has identified multiple victims.”
“Leadership of the Oakwood Church have been cooperative and transparent throughout the investigation,” it added.
Oakwood Church said all of its staff and those working with children and teens go through a background check. The church didn’t mention if they require any child safety protection training.
Radcliff’s next hearing is scheduled for December 19.
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