(WWJ) – A Macomb County church leader is facing charges for allegedly grooming and sexually abusing a young victim.
The 29-year-old Clinton Township man was arrested Thursday for allegedly engaging in criminal sexual acts with a minor after engaging in criminal sexual sexual acts with a minor earlier this year.
Officials have not released the name of the suspect or the church. The victim's age was not disclosed.
On Sept. 6 the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office was called to a home in Northern Macomb County following a complaint from the parents of a child who was given marijuana by a youth leader at a church and then sexually contacted.
Detectives investigating the case eventually determined the suspect “groomed the victim prior to engaging in contact.”
The suspect was expected to be arraigned Wednesday morning in Romeo’s 42nd District Court. The prosecutor’s office authorized charges of 3rd and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and children – contributing to delinquency.
“Acts of this nature are intolerable, especially by someone in a position of leadership and trust,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said, per a press release. “I commend this brave young person for coming forward.”
No other details about the incident have been released.