Key Takeaways
- Radcliff was arrested on October 18, 2024, facing 11 felony counts.
- The church terminated him on October 12, 2024.
- His bond was set at $3 million, and his hearing is on October 31, 2024.
Zachary Radcliff, a 29-year-old evangelical church worship leader, and Christian recording artist who also served as youth director at Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, Michigan, was recently arrested on multiple serious charges, including first-degree criminal s*xual conduct.
Radcliff was taken into custody on October 18, 2024, and now faces a total of 11 felony counts.
Authorities have charged Radcliff with serious s*xual crimes, including 6 counts of child s*xually abusive activity, 2 counts of possessing child s*xual abuse material, 1 count of first-degree criminal s*xual conduct, and 1 count of using a computer to commit a crime.
First-degree criminal s*xual conduct is among the most severe felonies in Michigan, often carrying the potential for a life sentence.
A Reddit user posted details about his arrest, which quickly garnered attention online.
Another local church worship leader arrested for felonious sexual crimes
byu/Worth-Sympathy-4000 inAnnArbor
Oakwood Church has since removed all references to him from its website.
The church acted promptly after learning about the accusations, initially suspending Radcliff with pay on October 3, 2024.
After receiving more information on October 12, the church terminated his employment.
The investigation began when the Michigan State Police (MSP) received a report on October 2, 2024, that Radcliff had solicited child s*xually abusive material from a minor.
Following this, Police executed search warrants at both his home and office, which led to the discovery of additional incriminating evidence.
Law enforcement has already identified multiple victims, and they are continuing the investigation.
The judge set Radcliff’s bond at $3 million, and he is currently awaiting his probable cause hearing, scheduled for October 31, 2024.
In the meantime, authorities are urging any additional victims to come forward, as they believe more individuals may have been affected.
The news of his arrest has shocked the local community, especially given his trusted role within the church, where he worked closely with young people.
Radcliff was a well-known figure in Saline, having participated in various community events.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a Memorial Day parade at Oakwood Cemetery, and in 2019, he performed at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
He also sang the National Anthem at a Saline High School wrestling meet.
Oakwood Church stated that it is fully cooperating with authorities and remains committed to maintaining transparency throughout the investigation.
The Michigan State Police First District also released a statement about the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), informing the public about the case.
NEWS RELEASE:
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) October 21, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/fpk7dFNc63
As the investigation continues, law enforcement expects to gather more evidence and identify other potential victims in the coming weeks.
For now, Radcliff remains in custody, and the legal proceedings will continue to unfold.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Judge Elisha Fink is the one who set Radcliff’s $3 million bond.
- Zachary’s father, Frank Radcliff, is the lead pastor at Oakwood Church.
