AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Michigan State Police say they are still actively investigating more allegations that a former Washtenaw County church leader “groomed and sexually assaulted” boys and girls, and troopers are urging anyone with information to come forward as additional victims continue to be identified.
Michigan State Police Lt. Renee Gonzalez said investigators at the Brighton Post “started investigating this case in October of ‘24” after being made aware of the “tragic” allegations.
This latest development comes as Local 4 viewers have been contacting us asking about the status of the case, and as police say the investigation remains open and “very active” even after charges were filed.
“We have numerous victims,” Gonzalez said. “That’s why the charges are over 60 charges that this guy is facing right now; we’re still investigating. This is not a closed case now that he’s been arraigned.”
The investigation and charges
Zachary Radcliff, 29, a former leader at Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, was arraigned in October on 11 felony charges, including one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and multiple counts related to child sexually abusive activity and computer-related crimes. Michigan State Police later announced Radcliff was arraigned Nov. 26 on 22 new charges, bringing the total at that time to 33.
Police told Local 4 the investigation began on Oct. 2, 2024, when information was received that Radcliff solicited child sexually abusive material from a child. Search warrants were executed at the Radcliff’s office and home, and officials identified multiple victims.
Gonzalez said police believe the alleged abuse stretches back at least 10 years.
“It’s been since 2014-2015 -- he has been actually grooming young boys and actually sexually assaulting them,” he said, adding it was “repeated to the same victims, numerous victims.”
Gonzalez described Radcliff as “the assistant pastor at his father’s church.” He said what makes it “even worse,” was that Radcliff was able to commit these alleged crimes while “pretending that he’s somebody with the faith and encouraging people to follow God.”
“It’s probably one of the top levels of tragedy that I can think of when it involves young children,” Gonzalez said.
In a previous hearing, prosecutors said children were forced to engage in sexual activity in front of their phones “at the request and coercion of this defendant and then they sent it to him.”
Prosecutors said the child victims sent the videos to Radcliff via Snapchat and via e-mail.
“He held a position of authority in the church -- that’s how he met… these victims,” one prosecutor told the judge. “He groomed them.”
One alleged victim from the age of 12 to 13, according to prosecutors, was penetrated approximately 15 times at his home and at the church by Radcliff. Prosecutors also said Radcliff “paid them money and he bought them items.”
A deleted Facebook profile listed Radcliff as worship director at Oakwood Church. Oakwood Church has deleted references to Radcliff on its web page. Oakwood Church was once located in Saline but moved to a location on Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti. The church is led by Pastor Frank Radcliff, the suspect’s father. According to Michigan State Police, Oakwood Church leadership has been cooperative and transparent throughout the investigation.
More potential victims
Gonzalez said police do not have an exact victim count but said it is well “over 15.” He said they are interviewing other potential victims – a recent victim is only 10 years old. He also said investigators expect more to come forward.
“We’re hoping that more will come forward, because this guy, even if he’s going to get charged and go away for a long time, he needs to answer for everybody that he has abused, and they need their day in court as well,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez wants potential victims to know their identity will be protected, and despite the delays in court, “the investigation is ongoing.”
“From what I understand, the defense attorney asked for more time, as well as the prosecutor’s office – it’s dealing with a bunch of witnesses who are also victims in this case,” Gonzalez said. “But we’re getting everything ready for court. We’re going to make sure that this guy has to answer for what he did to all these kids.”
Oakwood Church previously told Local 4 in a lengthy statement, “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.” Officials have also said the leadership of Oakwood Church has been cooperative and transparent throughout the ongoing investigation.
Submit a tip
The jury trial is scheduled for January 2027 after being delayed twice and pushed to 2027. Radcliff is being held on a $3 million bond. Local 4 reached out to the church again Thursday and to Radcliff’s defense attorney and is waiting to hear back.
Michigan State Police ask anyone with information to contact Trooper Ryan at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up. Officials say tips to Crime Stoppers are always anonymous, and people can also submit a tip online here.