Wayland Choir Director Charged with Csc

WOOD
December 9, 2013

http://www.woodtv.com/news/local/allegan-county/wayland-choir-director-charged-with-csc

[with video]

An Allegan County parish choir director is facing criminal sexual conduct charges in a case involving a teenage girl.

Nathan Lavoie, 32, who worked as the choir director at St. Therese Lisieux Parish in Wayland, is facing charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexually abusive activity and accosting a minor.

Lavoie, who resides in Middleville, was arrested Dec. 5 after Michigan State Police investigated reports of criminal activity that allegedly took place between 2011 and 2013.

Police said the girl, who is connected to the church and was 15 years old when the alleged activity began, was reportedly the victim of multiple criminal sexual acts.

Lavoie has been on administrative leave from St. Therese Church since

The accusations first surfaced in March. A parent reported his suspicions regarding Lavoie's behavior to the church priest. The priest then called Children's Protective Services, who brought in MSP, and placed Lavoie on administrative leave.

When asked why the investigation took nine months, MSP 1st Lt. Thomas Draves said the case was rather involved and that his detectives wanted to conducted a complete and thorough investigation. He declined to be any more specific.

MSP said it is continuing to investigate to see if there are additional victims. Anyone with more information is asked to call the MSP Wayland Post at 269.792.2213.

If convicted, Lavoie could face up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Officials with the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo say they did two criminal background checks when Lavoie began volunteering in 2004 and again when he was hired in 2010 that turned up nothing.

Lavoie also attended a mandatory child protection seminar, the diocese said.

The lack of criminal records when it comes to sexual predators seems to be a common problem.

But Victoria Cessna from the Kalamazoo Diocese says the Catholic Church and society in general are doing a better job of recognizing warning signs.

"Our people, from parents to employees, are trained to look for things that many seem unusual, that may seem potentially harmful and report those right away. And I do believe that we're all a little more aware of those things and hopefully when we are, it helps with some preventative measures," Cessna said.

Lavoie has been released on $20,000 bond. No one came to the door at his home Monday afternoon to offer comment.

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Monday, the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo released the following statement:

"On March 22, 2013, Rev. Christian Johnston, pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Wayland, received an allegation of misconduct against a minor involving one of the parish employees, Mr. Nate Lavoie. Upon receiving the information Fr. Johnston immediately contacted Child Protective Services and placed Mr. Lavoie on administrative leave pending investigation by the authorities.

Last Thursday, the Michigan State Police issued a warrant for Mr. Lavoie’s arrest and today released further details in a public statement.

We are deeply saddened by these troubling events. The Diocese of Kalamazoo remains diligent in our commitment to the safety and protection of our children. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing investigation and criminal proceedings."