MAGA Church Leader Charged with Sexually Abusing Children

Zachary Joseph Radcliff, a church leader affiliated with conservative politics, has been charged with multiple felonies, including sexual abuse of children.

The 29-year-old worship director from Oakwood Church in Augusta Township, Michigan, faces 11 felony counts, with charges dating back a decade.

Radcliff was arraigned on Sunday on two counts of aggravated “child sexually abusive activity,” two counts of child sexually abusive activity, and six counts of using the internet to communicate with another to commit a crime. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

The charges stem from incidents as early as 2014, according to court records.

Radcliff, who performed a song at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2019, is a known supporter of Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.

Earlier this year, he posted a photo on Instagram account @zachradcliffmusic of himself wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat and a Donald Trump shirt on his Instagram account. He captioned the picture, “Happy 4th of July to my Conservative, Independent, AND Liberal friends/family! Let freedom ring!”

In 2019, Radcliff posted a photograph on Instagram of himself at CPAC posing next to Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

The investigation into Radcliff’s actions began on October 2, 2024, when the Michigan State Police were alerted that he had allegedly solicited sexually abusive material from a minor.

Authorities searched his residence and office, which led to the discovery of evidence that has since identified multiple victims.

Oakwood Church, where Radcliff worked as both a music and youth director, expressed shock and heartbreak over the allegations in a public statement.

The church wrote that Radcliff, who is also the son of the senior pastor, was first suspended with pay on October 3. After further investigation, he was fired on October 12.

“The information we received was shocking,” the church wrote. “This information has ripped our hearts apart. The safety and protection of the individuals in our church is what is paramount to us.”

The church said it would fully cooperate with authorities and its commitment to transparency.

Counseling services are being made available to those affected by Radcliff’s actions. “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,” the church wrote.

Radcliff remains in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail on a $3 million bond. He is expected to appear in court on October 31.