GRAND RAPIDS (MI)
WOOD-TV [Grand Rapids MI]
December 4, 2023
By Ken Kolker
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — Ottawa County sheriff’s detectives say a faith leader accused of sexually assaulting a teenager through a Catholic church in Ottawa County is suspected of molesting others.
Deputies say they found computer evidence showing more possible victims.
James “Jimmy” Beauchamp, 55, of Kentwood, is accused of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime and furnishing alcohol to a minor. The allegations, deputies say, involved a 17-year-old boy.
“Obviously, it’s a disturbing case with some serious allegations and serious charges,” Ottawa County Sheriff’s Capt. Jacob Sparks said.
“We suspect there may be other people out there that were victimized by Mr. Beauchamp,” Sparks added.
Beauchamp, who has no known criminal record, was working as a faith leader for teens and young adults at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Parish in Grand Haven.
“His position provided him access to those youth,” Sparks said. “I don’t know if he was using it to target them, but he had access to the kids because of his position.”
Deputies say it happened at the Rodeway Inn in Grand Haven, less than three minutes from the church. Beauchamp is accused of providing the victim with alcohol, sexually assaulting him and taking photographs without the teenager’s consent.
The sheriff’s department said it started investigating in August. In a statement, the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids said that when the allegations were brought to the diocese, it reported them to authorities. Calling the charges “deeply troubling,” it said Beauchamp was fired after the allegations came to light.
Full statement from Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
Court records show Beauchamp had most recently worked for Wedgwood Christian Services in Kentwood, where deputies said he was arrested. They said the allegations don’t involve his work at Wedgwood. A Wedgwood spokesman said Beauchamp worked in the office and had no contact with patients. He’s since been fired.
The sheriff’s department asked any other possible victims to come forward.
“During our review of the digital evidence, our investigation has led us to believe there could be other victims out there that have not yet reported these crimes to law enforcement, and that’s what leads me to ask for any of those victims to come forward,” Sparks said.
Anyone with information can contact the sheriff’s office at 616.738.4025 or Silent Observer at 1.877.88.SILENT (745368) or mosotips.com.
Beauchamp is being held in the Ottawa County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He’s expected in court later this month to determine if there’s enough evidence to stand trial.
—News 8’s Madalyn Buursma contributed to this report.