Youth Minister at Churches Accused in Decade-old Sex Assault

By John Agar
MLive
November 3, 2014

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/11/youth_minister_at_churches_in.html

A part-time youth minister at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Conklin and St. Catherine Parish in Ravenna has been charged in a sexual assault that allegedly occurred years ago, unrelated to his church activities, authorities said.

William Miller, 61, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The alleged victim came forward several weeks ago. The alleged victim said the sexual assault occurred while working on a farm, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Bennett said Monday, Nov. 3.

Bennett said the case is an “open, active investigation.”

The allegations did not involve Miller's work with the churches.

Miller was arraigned last week in Hudsonville District Court. He was released after posting 10 percent of a $3,000 bond. He told the court he would hire his own attorney.

Bennett would not say why the alleged victim came forward now but said it was not unusual for victims to come forward years later.

Carl Apple, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, said the allegations involved “criminal sexual conduct with a young person.”

He said the alleged incident is believed to have occurred about 10 years ago, away from church property and not related to church activities.

Miller was suspended after church officials learned of his arrest. An announcement was read during Mass at the parishes over the weekend and a letter was sent to parents of children in youth ministry or school programs, Apple said.

The Diocese encouraged any victims of sexual abuse to contact the Sheriff’s Department or Silent Observer.

They may also call Deb Nykamp, diocesan victim assistance coordinator, at 616-243-0491.

In a statement, Apple said: “We ask you to pray for healing for all of those people whose lives and families will be deeply impacted by these events.”

Miller could not immediately be reached.

Contact: jagar@mlive.com