OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Court documents are revealing more details after a Kentwood man was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy in August.
James "Jimmy" Richard Beauchamp, 55, has been charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct, child sexual abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Police say Beauchamp stayed overnight with a 17-year-old boy at the Rodeway Inn in Grand Haven on Aug. 11 through Aug. 12. During their stay, Beauchamp and the teen allegedly drank alcohol and the teen fell asleep.
Court documents also say the victim said he woke up in the middle of the night to Beauchamp sexually abusing him and using a phone to film or take photos, according to court documents.
The teen then left the hotel.
Beauchamp was questioned by his employer at the time and he told them he stayed at the hotel with the teen and drank alcohol. He denied any sexual contact happened, the documents say.
Beauchamp later worked for Wedgwood Christian Services, a nonprofit that offers mental health services for children, teens and adults.
Wedgwood released a statement after Beauchamp's arrest:
"James Beauchamp was employed in our accounting department for approximately six weeks before termination on Dec. 4. He had no contact with any clients. All background checks were clean and had favorable past employment references."
Beauchamp previously worked for a parish that is part of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, which said:
"The charges against a former parish employee are deeply troubling. The Diocese of Grand Rapids holds the victim-survivor and his family in our prayers and continues to offer them support on their healing journey. The family reported the incident to the diocese, who forwarded the complaint to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General. The diocese, in conjunction with the parish, will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The parish pastor terminated Mr. Beauchamp’s employment upon learning of the allegation. In accordance with our diocesan safe environment policies, Mr. Beauchamp had previously passed several background checks, went through Virtus, a safe environment training program that is mandatory for all members of our clergy, volunteers, staff members and teachers, and signed the 'Standards of Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children and Young People.'"
Detectives believe there may be other victims.
"Mr. Beauchamp was not a priest, but was affiliated with the St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish in Grand Haven. Due to his role there working with youth, there are concerns that he would have had access to additional young people. In reviewing the digital evidence of this investigation, we believe that there may be other victims out there who have not come forward yet or have not reported the incidents to law enforcement," said Captain Sparks.
Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office at 616-738-4025 or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or online at mosotips.com.
Beauchamp was taken into custody at Wedgwood Christian Services on Dec. 1. He is lodged at the Ottawa County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000 cash/surety.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for Beauchamp on Dec. 13 at 8:15 a.m.
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