A sprawling criminal case tied to Oakwood Church in Augusta Township keeps getting bigger, as a former youth leader now faces more than 60 felony counts and new alleged victims continue to contact police. Investigators say the accusations stretch across years, involve children, and include reports from victims as young as 10. The defendant remains locked up on a multimillion-dollar bond while prosecutors and defense attorneys brace for a long pretrial grind.
Michigan State Police told ClickOnDetroit that the Brighton Post opened the investigation after receiving information on Oct. 2, 2024. Investigators said they believe the alleged abuse dates back to at least 2014-2015. According to the outlet, officers executed search warrants at Radcliff’s office and home and ultimately identified multiple alleged victims.
Judge Adds Dozens of Counts After Chilling Testimony
During a preliminary examination, 14A District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson read nine new counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and 21 counts of child sexually abusive activity into the record, bringing the total charge count to roughly 60, according to CBS News Detroit. From the bench, Simpson told the courtroom, “I believe them,” and said the testimony ranked among the most egregious he has seen in his years on the job.
Prosecutors Detail Grooming, Coercion and Online Solicitation
Prosecutors allege Radcliff leveraged his church role to groom young people, pushing for sexually explicit photos and videos through Snapchat and email and, in some cases, coercing victims to record sexual acts, according to MLive. Witnesses testified that Radcliff sometimes sent unsolicited videos of himself, paid victims, or used church funds to buy items, and that one alleged victim reported being penetrated roughly 15 times.
Oakwood Church Response and Local Outreach
Oakwood Church, where Pastor Frank Radcliff serves as lead pastor, has scrubbed references to the former youth leader from its materials and says it is cooperating with investigators while offering counseling to those affected, FOX 2 Detroit reports. The station notes that anyone with information can contact Trooper Ryan at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 517-899-6174 or D/Sgt. Dan Drewyor at 810-227-1051, and the church staff can be reached at 734-944-1215.
Trial Pushed Into 2027, Defendant Held on $3 Million Bond
ClickOnDetroit reports that Radcliff is being held on a $3 million bond and that his jury trial has been pushed to January 2027 after multiple delays. Prosecutors say they are still interviewing potential victims and building the case that will eventually land in circuit court.
What the Charges Could Mean if Convicted
Several counts accuse Radcliff of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Under Michigan law, that charge can carry a sentence of life in prison or any term of years, depending on the circumstances, according to the statute at MCL 750.520b. Other counts tied to child sexually abusive activity and internet-related offenses carry maximum penalties that can stretch for decades and may trigger mandatory monitoring or registration requirements under state rules, per Michigan’s felony sentencing guidelines guidance.
How to Report Tips or Get Help
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or call the Michigan State Police Brighton Post using the numbers listed above. Survivors can contact Michigan’s VOICES4 sexual assault hotline, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7, at 855-864-2374 or visit MCEDSV for chat and text support. Call 911 in an emergency.
Hoodline first covered the initial arrest and early charges in October 2024; read that earlier reporting on the Washtenaw County church official charged.
