Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE:
 
Augusta Township, Washtenaw County: 29-year-old- Zachary Radcliff, an employee of Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, was arraigned on several charges, including, Criminal Sexual Conduct and charges relating to Child Sexually Abusive Material.
 
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.
 
The investigation is ongoing. At this time the Michigan State Police encourages any further victims to come forward.
 
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Trooper Ryan of the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517.899.6174
 
Monday, October 21st, 2024

OAKWOOD CHURCH STATEMENT

We received some very disturbing news about our music and youth director, Zachary Radcliff who is also the son of our senior pastor, Frank Radcliff. We realized while talking to him that there was more to the situation than was being expressed. He was suspended with pay on October 3rd, pending further investigation. More information was given to us on Saturday, October 12th, at 4:00 in the afternoon. Pastoral staff met with our church that evening and Sunday morning. Zach was terminated from his job, without pay effective Saturday, October 12th.

The State Police were notified by families that were involved and our church staff. We are not aware of the full extent of his crimes, and 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 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.

We have counseling that is being set up and provided for any youth or adults who have been impacted by this crime. 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.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Trooper Ryan of the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517.899.6174 (corrected with new contact information 10/22/2024)

If you would like to speak with one of our pastors or staff about this, please call us at 734-944-1215 or contact us at info@oakwoodchurch.org.
 
Monday, October 21st, 2024