OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A Kentwood man is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old boy and taking photos of him without his consent.
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.
The investigation into Beauchamp began in August after a sexual assault was reported. Deputies say it happened at a hotel in Grand Haven, where Beauchamp allegedly gave alcohol to a 17-year-old boy, sexually assaulted him and took photos of him without his consent.
While Beauchamp was not a priest, deputies say he previously worked for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, where he regularly worked with teens and young adults as part of his job and volunteer work.
The charges were issued Nov. 29, and Beauchamp was taken into custody on Dec. 1. He is lodged at the Ottawa County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000 cash/surety.
Deputies believe there may be other victims. 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.
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to the Diocese of Grand Rapids for a statement, and was provided this:
"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.'
Anyone with any information about this case is encouraged to call the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at 616.738.4025 or Silent Observer at 877.887.4536."
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