Earth Services / The House Next Door

[Ursus]

WXMI-TV · FOX 17
Animal Rescue CEO Faces More Sex Charges

A man known for his animal rescue organization in Barry County is behind bars after his arraignment Wednesday.

Jonathan Seely · FOX 17 Web Producer
1:05 p.m. EDT, August 30, 2011

BELLEVUE, Mich.—A man known for his animal rescue organization in Barry County is now facing additional charges

Michael Terpening was arraigned last week in district court on multiple criminal sexual conduct charges.

Wednesday, the Michigan State Police Hastings Post announced that Terpening was charged with two additional counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, bringing the total to 11 charges so far.

The judge in the case also increased Terpening's bond to $300,000.

Terpening is CEO of EARTH, Educated Animal Rescue And Teen Haven, which started in 1998 as EAR, or Educated Animal Rescue.

He was arrested by troopers from the Hastings post of the Michigan State Police on charges that included third degree criminal sexual conduct, indecent exposure, and other sexual assault charges.

Related video news coverage: Criminal Sex Charges For Animal Rescue CEO


Copyright © 2012, WXMI-TV

[Ursus]

Now some docs from the investigation by Michigan's Department of Human Services come to light. Geeeezzzzz....

This article and the one following both provide links for a pdf download.

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WWMT - Newschannel 3
Former director of home for teens facing more charges

August 30, 2011 6:00 PM


Michael Terpening

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Troubled kids were ordered into his care, but now the former director of a home for teens is facing mounting criminal charges.

Michael Terpening was already facing several counts of criminal sexual conduct, and now two further charges have been added. Terpening now faces a total of eleven charges.


Video: Former Director of Home for Teens Faces New Charges

Troubled kids were ordered into his care, but now the former director of a home for teens is facing mounting criminal charges.

[/size]
Terpening is the former director of a youth home in Barry County. Because he oversaw a state licensed facility, investigators from the Department of Human Services have done their own investigation.

As the man overseeing Earth Services, Michael Terpening was known as someone who provided shelter to both neglected animals, and troubled youth. The so-called 'House Next Door' program provided counseling to teens, and assigned each a rescue animal.

Newschannel 3 has been digging deeper into the allegations against Terpening through the state investigation. Two male teens, in separate interviews, tell of sexual encounters with the director.

One claims that Terpening bought him cigarettes in exchange for sex. The teen says at first he considered the encounters consensual, because he never said no.

So far, state police have charged Terpening with criminal sexual conduct involving four teens. A fifth, who is now adult, has since come forward with similar allegations after hearing news reports.

When questioned by state investigators about the accusations against him, Terperning stated; "I'm not a monster, I'm not a bad person," saying that he never touched anyone at the group home.

The State Department of Human Services says that when the allegations came to light, the six or seven boys who were living at the home were removed. The state is in the process of revoking the home's license.

You can read the Department of Human Services investigation report here (pdf file).


Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

[Ursus]

Michigan Live LLC
Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens against Barry County youth home director detailed in state investigative report

Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 7:36 AM   ·  Updated: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 11:03 AM
By Rosemary Parker | Kalamazoo Gazette


Michael Terpening · Courtesy photo

LANSING — Report documents attached to a June 20 letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services to Michael Terpening, a former youth home director charged in Barry County this month with 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct, detail the complaints of sexual activity that led to the state's revocation of the home's license.

READ THE DOCUMENT HERE:

CI080299508_SIR_2011C0105043.pdf

According to the documents, several teens and staff told state investigators of a variety of sexual encounters, text messages and conversations with Terpening, the licensee under the name Earth, Inc. for the home at 7178 Hoff Road, Bellevue.

The home, categorized as a private child caring institution, was licensed for a capacity of 15 boys, under the facility name "The House Next Door," the documents show.


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

[Ursus]

Comments left for the above article, "Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens against Barry County youth home director detailed in state investigative report" (by Rosemary Parker; August 31, 2011; Kalamazoo Gazette / Michigan Live LLC):


nhaken2 · August 31, 2011 at 8:31AM

Innocent until proven guilty. Troubled kids who admit they hated having him around supervising their every move report this. No staff observed any wrongdoing, only report what the kids said to them.

nwallen · August 31, 2011 at 12:27PM

As difficult as it might be, I suggest reading the PDF.

nhaken2 · August 31, 2011 at 1:10PM

I did and the staff only report what the kids told them.

LudicrousSpeed · August 31, 2011 at 1:55PM

Except for the staff members who violated their own code of conduct and DIDN'T report it, obviously towing the line set by their illustrious "Director". You are obviously completely incapable of looking at this with an unbiased eye.

[/list]


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

[Ursus]

Here's a copy of that special investigative report compiled by Michigan's Department of Human Services, dated June 20, 2011. It's prefaced by a cover letter to Michael Terpening also dated June 20, 2011:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Special Investigation Report of The House Next Door / Michael Terpening
June 20, 2011

State of Michigan

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BUREAU OF CHILDREN AND ADULT LICENSING[/list][/list]

RICK SNYDER · GOVERNOR
MAURA D. CORRIGAN · DIRECTOR

P.O. BOX 30650 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909-8150
http://www.michigan.gov • (517) 335-6124


June 20, 2011

Michael Terpening
The House Next Door
15485 Jenkins Rd.
Bellevue, MI 49021

RE: License #: CI080299508
Investigation #: 2011C0105043
The House Next Door

Dear Mr. Terpening:

Attached is the Special Investigation Report for the above referenced facility. Due to the severity of the violations, disciplinary action against your license is recommended. You will be notified in writing of the department's action and your options for resolution of this matter.

Please review the enclosed documentation for accuracy and feel free to contact me with any questions. In the event that I am not available and you need to speak to someone immediately, please feel free to contact Greg Corrigan at (269) 337-5089.

Sincerely,

Pamela G. Lajiness, Licensing Consultant
Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing
322 E. Stockbridge Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 337-5042

enclosure

-------------- --------------

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
BUREAU OF CHILDREN AND ADULT LICENSING
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT[/list][/list]

I. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

License #: CI080299508
Investigation #: 2011C0105043
Complaint Receipt Date: 05/13/2011
Investigation Initiation Date: 05/13/2011
Report Due Date: 07/12/2011
Licensee Name: Earth Inc.
Licensee Address: 7178 Hoff Rd.
Bellevue, MI 49021
Licensee Telephone #: (269) 965-2117
Administrator: Kathy terSteeg, Chief Administrator
Licensee Designee: Kathy terSteeg, Interim Licensee Designee
Name of Facility: The House Next Door
Facility Address: 15485 Jenkins Rd.
Bellevue, MI 49021
Facility Telephone #: (269) 965-2117
Original Issuance Date: 02/05/2009
License Status: REGULAR
Effective Date: 08/04/2009
Expiration Date: 08/03/2011
Capacity: 15
Program Type: CHILD CARING INSTITUTION, PRIVATE[/list]

II. ALLEGATION(S)

Resident reported sexually inappropriate contact by the director (Licensee Designee) of the facility.

III. METHODOLOGY

05/13/2011

Special Investigation Intake
2011C0105043

05/13/2011

Special Investigation Initiated - Telephone

05/16/2011

Contact - Face to Face
Interviewed resident (Resident A) who made the allegation.

05/16/2011

Contact - Face to Face
Interviewed two residents (Residents B and C), 1staff (Staff 3) and therapist.

05/27/2011

Contact – Face to Face
Hastings State Police Post Trooper Vannette and DHS Worker Observed Trooper Vannette interview 2 residents (Residents B and D).

06/03/2011

Contact – Telephone and Face to Face
Administrator at Lakeside called regarding Resident E disclosing inappropriate behaviors at the group home.
Interview with Resident E and administrator at Lakeside.

06/03/2011

Contact – Telephone
Staff at Lakeside reported that Resident B disclosed sexual contact with the Licensee Designee at the group home.

06/06/2011

Contact – Face To Face
Interview with Resident B and Staff at Lakeside

06/07/2011

Telephone Interview with the Licensee Designee

06/09/2011

Telephone Interviews with Staff 2, 3, and 4.

06/15/2011

Exit Conference

ALLEGATION:

Resident reported sexually inappropriate contact by the "director" (Licensee Designee) of the facility.

INVESTIGATION:

On May 16, 2011 a DHS worker and I interviewed Resident A at the Kalamazoo County Department of Human Services (DHS). On May 11, 2011 around 10:00 p.m. he told Staff 1, 2, and 3 that the Licensee Designee had been sexually inappropriate with him. He reported this had happened on two occasions, Thursday, May 5, 2011 and Tuesday May 10, 2011.

Resident A said that ever since the Licensee Designee had his office built in the facility (approximately three months earlier) he had been asking Resident A to see how big his penis was because Resident A had been bragging about it. Resident A thought he was joking but on May 5, 2011 the Licensee Designee told him he would buy him a box of cigars if he showed it to him and if it was as large as he was saying. Resident A said he liked to smoke so he agreed to let the Licensee Designee see his penis. Resident A said the Licensee Designee drove him to the chicken coop that was located on the lower level of an empty house he had bought.

This house was across the street from the Licensee Designee's family home and about ¼ mile down the road from The House Next Door. Resident A said they went into the chicken coop and the Licensee Designee asked to see his penis. Resident A said a farm employee and Resident F entered the chicken coop at that time so the Licensee Designee went over and talked to them. He said he didn't think they saw anything but they did see him. Resident A said that when they left the chicken coop he pulled out his penis and the Licensing Designee immediately began to suck his penis and then started masturbating in front of him. He said the Licensee Designee then "blew a load." Resident A said the Licensee Designee then took him to a store and bought him a box of cigars. He then drove him back to the group home and told him he couldn't tell anyone.

On May 18, 2011, Michigan State Police Trooper Vannette and a DHS worker interviewed Resident F. Trooper Vannette asked him if he recalled being in the chicken coop in the evening during the last couple of weeks. Resident F said he and a farm worker went to the chicken coop to get money for gas from the Licensee Designee. He said he saw Resident A in the chicken coop with the Licensee Designee. Resident F said the Licensee Designee brought Resident A to the chicken coop to talk because he was having a bad day. Trooper Vannette and the DHS worker asked the Licensee Designee if he had ever been alone with Resident A at the chicken coop and he denied that he had. When I asked the Licensee Designee the same question on a separate occasion, he again denied that he had ever been alone with Resident A at the chicken coop.

Resident A said that on Tuesday May 10, 2011, after the first incident, he was stressed, got into a fight with Resident C and broke his nose. He said the Licensee Designee told him to run to his vacant house (where the chicken coop is located) in about twenty seconds and wait for him there. When the Licensee Designee got to the house, Resident A said he let him in and they went upstairs to the pantry where he had a beer. Resident A said the Licensee Designee told him he was stressed and needed to "get off." He said the Licensee Designee cornered him in the pantry and pulled down his pants and tried to suck his penis. Resident A said the Licensee Designee then began to masturbate and as Resident A left the pantry he saw the Licensee Designee "come" on the pantry floor. Resident A said the Licensee Designee told him he would tell the police he was "mental" in order to get him out of the assault charges. Resident A said he waited until the next day (May 11, 2011) when the Licensee Designee wasn't in the house to disclose the information about the inappropriate sexual contact to Staff 1, Staff 2 and Staff 3. He said he told them sometime between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. When asked about the time frame Staff 3 said that it was around 10:00 p.m. Resident A said someone called Therapist 1 that night and then she called DHS the next day (May 12, 2011) after interviewing him at the school. (It is noted here that Staff 3 actually called the Clinical Director immediately after Resident A's disclosure and the Clinical Director told Therapist 1 to follow through the next day and report "as needed." This information was found in Therapist 1's report regarding her interview with Resident A).

On May 16, 2011 Resident B was interviewed by a DHS worker and me at The House Next Door. Resident B complained about the Licensee Designee, stating that he was always in the house. Resident B said he finds him "annoying" and called him an "idiot." Resident B denied any inappropriate sexual contact by the Licensee Designee. The DHS worker said that within fifteen minutes after this interview Resident B requested to be interviewed again. I had to leave for another appointment so the DHS worker interviewed him alone. The DHS worker said Resident B disclosed sexually inappropriate contact by the Licensee Designee. I did observe Trooper Vannette's interview with Resident B on May 27, 2011 at the State Police Post in which he did disclose inappropriate sexual contact with the Licensee Designee. In the beginning of the interview Resident B told Trooper Vannette that he was not involved in any sexual behaviors with the Licensee Designee. After Trooper Vannette told Resident B that this had happened in the past and that he was not going to be returned to the group home, Resident B talked about the Licensee Designee buying him cigarettes for sex.

Resident C was interviewed by the DHS worker and me at The House Next Door on May 16, 2011. He said the Licensee Designee was wonderful and got him a job at the farm. He talked about having meals with the Licensee Designee and his family at their home. Resident C said the Licensee Designee did nice things with the residents. When asked if he was ever approached by the Licensee Designee for sex he said no and said he had never heard that from anyone else. Following this interview Resident C told a staff that he wanted to be interviewed again, even though he was scared. I let Trooper Vannette know that Resident C wanted to be interviewed again because he did not want me to interview him again until after he had spoken with Resident C.

Staff 1 was interviewed by the DHS worker and me on May 16, 2011 at The House Next Door. Staff 1 said he was in one of the Licensee Designee's vacant houses having a drink with Staff 2 and the Licensee Designee. After Staff 2 left, the Licensee Designee asked him if he had ever done "circle jerks." When he told the Licensee Designee that he wasn't gay he said the Licensee Designee told him that everyone had a little gay in him. Following this incident Staff 1 said the Licensee Designee started texting him and in one text he offered Staff 1 $50 if he would have sex with him and his wife. Staff 1 said he deleted the text but showed it to his mom, his brother, Staff 2 and Staff 4 first. He said this went on for a month and then the Licensee Designee suspended him and began disciplining him for insignificant things. Staff 1 said he told Staff 3 about this approximately three months earlier.

Staff 1 said Staff 2 told him that the Licensee Designee had approached him and told him his wife was really hot for him. Staff 1 said Resident A came to him and said he had something he had to tell him but he couldn't. Resident A told Staff 1 that he and Resident B had sex before, but that wasn't what he wanted to tell him. Staff 1 asked Resident A if it had anything to do with him, the Licensee Designee, and sex and Resident A said yes. Staff 1 said Resident A told him about the two incidents (described by Resident A earlier in this report) and Staff 1 told him he believed him because he had an incident with the Licensee Designee in December 2010. Staff 1 said he did not give Resident A any details. Staff 1 said Resident A was upset because the Licensee Designee told him that he was going to take him to Indiana to see his mother.

Staff 1 said Staff 4 told him that the Licensee Designee came back to the house around 3:00 a.m. on May 12, 2011. Staff 4 told me that he thought the Licensee Designee's aunt was working the overnight shift. Staff 3 said this was prior to the Licensee Designee being told about the allegations around 11:00 a.m. on May 12, 2011.

On May 27, 2011 I observed Resident D being interviewed by Trooper Vannette. He said the Licensee Designee was great. Resident D said he works with the Licensee Designee's father on various projects and helps the Licensee Designee do things at his house and all of his rental houses. Resident D said the Licensee Designee allows him to go out with his girlfriend.

I interviewed Resident E on June 3, 2011 at his temporary placement at Lakeside Residential Treatment in Kalamazoo. On this date he asked an administrator if he could talk to him. The administrator asked Resident E if I could join them and I did. Resident E said there was no sexual contact between him and the Licensee Designee. He said the Licensee Designee did punch him in the chest when he swore and his biological and adopted children heard him. He said the Licensee Designee threatened to "kick his ass."

I interviewed Resident B on June 6, 2011 at his temporary placement at Lakeside Residential Treatment in Kalamazoo. Resident B admitted to sexually inappropriate contact by the Licensee Designee, stating it happened approximately fifteen to twenty times. At first Resident B said it was consensual because he never said "no." He said he didn't want to do this but the Licensee Designee had power over him. Resident B said the Licensee Designee would take him to one of his houses (called kennel house) around the corner from The House Next Door. He said he was usually with the Licensee Designee for thirty minutes to two hours. Resident B said this started when he was seventeen and couldn't buy his own cigarettes so the Licensee Designee would reward him for sex by buying him cigarettes. Resident B said they engaged in "oral sex and hand jobs." He said he would not describe these incidents in any more detail. Resident B said when he heard the rumors that the Licensee Designee had been accused of inappropriate sexual contact with other residents he knew it was true because it had happened to him. Resident B said he didn't want anything to happen to the Licensee Designee because he had a wife and children who needed him. He said he grew depressed he tried to commit suicide by cutting his wrists. He said he was taken to a hospital and placed on the psych ward for approximately three days and then returned to the group home. Resident B said he was harassed and threatened by the residents from that day on. The school called the group home to report that Resident B had told them about the threats. Resident B said he wished he could go back in time and say no to the Licensee Designee's requests for sex.

In an interview with Therapist 1 she said that she has been working with the residents for approximately two years as a volunteer. She said that Resident A is very mentally ill and she didn't believe what he was saying about the Licensee Designee. Therapist 1 reported what Resident A told her, which is similar to what Resident A reported to me with the exception that she said Resident A told her the Licensee Designee took him to a restaurant called The Chicken Coop and that they engaged in inappropriate sexual contact there.

I called the Licensee Designee on June 7, 2011 and asked him if we could meet so that I could interview him. He said he wanted his attorney present to make sure that what he said wasn't misinterpreted. He told me he would call back after talking to his attorney. I told him that would be fine. However, the Licensee Designee then started talking about the school calling him to say the group home youth were saying that they were being asked if he had touched them sexually. He said that it seemed like everyone was aware of what was going on. Without being prompted, the Licensee Designee said he doesn't buy the youth cigarettes because his grandmother died of cancer. He then said he did buy cigarettes for Resident B once when he was driving him to court. He said he thought Barry County DHS had it in for him because they knew about a previous allegation. The Licensee Designee said he did go to the group home on May 12, 2011 at 2:30 a.m. because he couldn't sleep due to his son having surgery the next day. He said he got the youth up in the morning and then left to go to the hospital with his family. He said he was not aware of the allegations until noon on May 12, 2011. He said "I wouldn't adopt kids if I was a pervert." He spoke about Resident A being violently aggressive and Resident B being provocative with staff. He said Resident B broke into his house (with the chicken coop) after breaking Resident C's nose. The Licensing Designee said "I'm not a monster; I'm not a bad person." He said he never touched anyone at the group home, didn't buy cigars for Resident A, and didn't approach staff for sex. He said both Residents A and B were sexually and physically abused earlier in their lives and have been predators in the past. I read back what I had written so that the Licensee Designee could confirm that I had all of my information correct. He said it was correct. The Licensee Designee said he wasn't sure if he would continue to do this kind of work in the future. He said he has heard rumors about him being back on the property, which he denied.

On June 9, 2011 in telephone interviews with Staff 2 and 4, they said Staff 1 had told them about the Licensee Designee asking for sex. Staff 2 said the Licensee Designee sent him an instant message about participating in a threesome because his wife thought he was cute. Staff 2 said he had never met the Licensee Designee's wife and told him that. Following this one incident Staff 2 said the Licensee Designee didn't approach him again. Staff 2 and 4 both said they read the text messages the Licensing Designee sent to Staff 1. They said the Licensee Designee talked about explicit sexual activities, which they thought was "disgusting." Staff 2 and 4 said they thought he was gay but had no idea that the he was doing anything inappropriate with the residents.

In a telephone interview with Staff 3 on June 9, 2011 she said she had no idea that the Licensee Designee was sexually involved with the residents. She said about two years ago the Licensee Designee told her something about him being gay but he didn't discuss any details and they never talked about it again. Staff 3 said the Licensee Designee has not been back on the property since being told not to. She said she has been working sixteen hours a day and would have known if this was happening.

In an interview with Resident A's DHS worker he said he thought the group home did a great job with Resident A. He said Resident A had been there for two years and he was impressed with this because he had been in and out of so many placements in the past. The DHS worker said Resident A was very challenging, aggressive, mentally ill and unstable. He said the Licensee Designee advocated for him at the public school and also got him a job at the farm. When asked if Resident A had made any allegations of a sexual nature previously the DHS worker said no. He said Resident A views himself as a victim and doesn't accept responsibility for his part in altercations with other residents.

In an interview with Resident B's DHS worker she said she had been working with him since 2006. She said he can be very dramatic and attention seeking. She said he can stretch the truth but she has never known him to lie. The DHS worker recalled Resident B being on truant status for a few days and when he called to tell her where he was he said, "(The Licensee Designee) is a bastard." He did not say anything else. When asked if Resident B had ever made any allegation of a sexual nature in the five years she has been working with him, she said no. She said he has admitted to having sex with other male residents while in his placements but never accused an adult of being sexually inappropriate with him.

APPLICABLE RULE
R 400.44112 Staff qualifications.

Rule 112. A person with ongoing duties shall be of good moral character, emotionally stable, and of sufficient health, ability, experience, and education to perform the duties assigned.

ANALYSIS:

Residents A and B disclosed inappropriate sexual contact with the Licensee Designee. Staff 1 reported that the Licensee Designee had approached him for sex and then sent text messages. He said the Licensee Designee texted him numerous times regarding sexually explicit behaviors they could engage in. Staff 2 reported receiving an instant message from the Licensee Designee regarding doing a threesome with his wife. Staff 2 and Staff 4 verified that they had read the text messages from the Licensee Designee to Staff 1 and that the messages were "disgusting."

CONCLUSION: VIOLATION ESTABLISHED

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:

INVESTIGATION:

According to Therapist 1, on 05/11/2011 around 10:00 p.m. the Clinical Director received a telephone call from Staff 3 that Resident A had accused the director (Licensee Designee) of sexually inappropriate behavior. Therapist 1 said the Clinical Director told her to do a follow up the next day and "report as needed."

On June 10, 2011, I called Therapist 1 to ask if a required written report had been filed with DHS. When she returned the call she said she could not find a completed written report regarding Resident A. Therapist 1 said that on May 11, 2011 Staff 3 had called the Clinical Director and told her she would do the written report. After trying to track down the report, Therapist 1 said she called Staff 3 and the Chief Administrator, and both said they had not written the DHS report.

Resident A said someone called Therapist 1 that night and then she called DHS the next day (May 12, 2011) after interviewing him at the school. (It is noted here that Staff 3 actually called the Clinical Director immediately after Resident A's disclosure and the Clinical Director requested that Therapist 1 follow up the next day and "report as needed"). This information was also documented in a report written by Therapist 1.

Therapist 1 said she was in the school on 05/12/2011 dropping of some paper work when Resident A approached her and asked to talk to her. Therapist 1 said she met with Resident A and following that interview told Resident A that she was a mandated reporter and needed his information so she could "report it to the appropriate individuals to have it investigated." Therapist 1 said she called DHS around 11:00 a.m.to report the allegations but they asked her to call back at 1:00 p.m. Therapist 1 said she called back at 1:00 p.m. and reported Resident A's disclosure.

When asked for a copy of the DHS report that must be completed within 48 hours of the verbal report, Therapist 1 said she did not do one and when she checked with Staff 3 and the Interim Licensee Designee they said they had not completed one. Therapist 1 said she thought Staff 3 had completed this form.

APPLICABLE RULE
R 400.4131 Compliance with child protection law; development of plan required.

The licensee shall develop and implement a written plan to assure compliance with the provisions of Act No. 238 of the Public Acts of 1975, as amended, being S722.621 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, and known as the child protection law.

ANALYSIS:

The Clinical Director and Therapist 1 are mandated reporters and did not follow the child protection law of making an immediate verbal report as soon as they had reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect. They were aware of the allegations on May 11, 2011 at approximately 10:00 p.m. and did not report until 1:00 p.m. on May 12, 2011. No written report to DHS, as required by the child protection law, was submitted regarding the allegations made by Resident A.

CONCLUSION: VIOLATION ESTABLISHED

I was not able to interview four of the ten residents placed at The House Next Door. Trooper Vannette wanted to interview these residents first and the time constraints regarding the completion of this report did not allow this.

An exit conference was conducted on June 15, 2011 with the Licensee Designee, Therapist 1, Staff 3 and another staff responsible for billing, etc. The licensee designee stated that he disagreed with the recommendation to revoke the license, and that he planned to contest it.

IV. RECOMMENDATION

I recommend revocation of The House Next Door's license.

June 20, 2011
Pamela G. Lajiness
Licensing Consultant

Approved By:
June 20, 2011
Gregory V. Corrigan
Area Manager

[Ursus]

Another article... Given the seriousness of the allegations, Mr. Terpening is having to live separately from, and reduced to having limited and supervised contact with, his family.

-> Video news coverage accompanying the below article: FRIENDS AND COWORKERS DEFEND CAMP LEADER

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

WOOD-TV8
Supporters rally around Terpening

Among supporters: co-worker, volunteer, friend

Updated: Tuesday, 25 Oct 2011, 1:31 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 05 Sep 2011, 5:06 PM EDT
By Ken Kolker


Michael Terpening (Aug. 24, 2011)

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - Supporters of a youth home director accused of sex acts with four clients say the allegations are false and shouldn't be keeping him from his own children.

They've started an on-line petition, a Facebook campaign and posted a Youtube video -- to push the state to re-unite Michael Terpening, who is free on bond, with his eight children.

Among the supporters: a former youth home worker, a former youth volunteer and a friend.

"We just felt like the word needed to get out that Michael needed some help; we felt like he was being railroaded," said family friend Susan Gillihan, who started the on-line petition.

"Why would a man be removed from his children, his eight children, when there are no accusations whatsoever within the (family) home."

Terpening, who ran Earth Services and The House Next Door -- a Barry County program for troubled teens -- is charged with 11 counts of sexual assault involving four former clients, all males in their late teens.

Police say more charges might be on the way involving a fifth alleged victim.

None of the charges involve Terpening's own children.

"Why isn't he allowed to go back home then?" Gillihan said.

His supporters say they plan to attend a custody hearing they say is scheduled for Tuesday in Barry County.

They say they're certain the first alleged victim is lying -- about sex acts in a chicken coop, which were detailed in a state Department of Human Services report.

The same report describes that victim as "challenging, aggressive, mentally ill and unstable."

"I know the boy; he has one language, and it's lying," said Linda Timmons, who said her volunteer work at the youth home included Bible studies.

In that same report, a second alleged victim describes sex acts with Terpening, but the report also describes that victim as "dramatic" and "attention-seeking" -- somebody who will "stretch the truth."

Police say the second victim recanted, but later told detectives the allegations were true.

"This is a witch hunt," said Terpening supporter, Jamie Bell, who identified herself as a former youth home worker. "I mean, I have no idea why, but they are coming at him in a manner that makes absolutely no sense to me."

The state report did not provide details on the other alleged victims or sex acts.

"We also need to look at all five of those people who are saying this, and let's look at their background and history," Timmons said. "Are they upstanding, moral, good, working people? Are they people who are believable where you can take their word?"

The state report also describes how an unidentified youth home worker says Terpening offered him $50 for a sex act, and sent a lewd text. Co-workers told the state they also saw the text.

State Police Lt. Chuck Christensen on Monday told 24 Hour News 8 that the victims approached police, on their own, and were not coerced.


All content (c) Copyright 2000 - 2012 WOOD Television, Inc.

[wdtony]

These comments supporting the alleged perpetrator remind me of all of those news reports....you know, where a guy is a serial killer and all the neighbors are like, "he was a quiet guy, I never would have thought he could do something like this...he seemed like a nice normal person".

People don't seem to believe that they can be fooled.

[Ursus]

Comments left for the above article, "Supporters rally around Terpening" (by Ken Kolker, 05 Sep 2011/25 Oct 2011, WOOD-TV8):


Becky Swartzenegger · Top Commenter · September 5, 2011 at 2:23pm

But yet an accused murderer obtains custody of his children while being the only suspect in the death of his wife, the children's mother! They don't even know where the man and his children reside and don't care until they have the smoking gun!! This guy could be guilty, but we dont know! He's not suspected of molesting his children so he shouldn't be kept from them. As if this case isnt already hard enough on them! Once again, Michigan proves to have its priorities backwards!

Stephen D. Vandermade Jr. · Top Commenter · September 5, 2011 at 2:36pm

He has to be kept from them until he has been proven innocent of the other charges, there can be no guessing when kids are involved, every precaution must be taken. If that means he is out of the home until he beats his charges, then that's how it is. If he is innocent then he has nothing to worry about. But I agree with C.P.S on this one. If he did the things they are accusing him of he doesn't need to be around little kids.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 5, 2011 at 2:46pm

Keep in mind the Child Protective Services piece of what is happening is an entirely separate legal matter and they would already have had a hearing on this to decide if there was sufficient evidence to remove the children. It is not a CPS matter, a judge makes that call based on evidence.

Child Protective Services has already done their investigation. This is a civil matter and CPS has made a determination the allegations were, "substantiated" meaning they believe the boys.

4 different people making allegations is very troubling.

What i will say about Linda Timmons is she is someone who has no business being around troubled kids if she cannot hold her judgment.

A child who is abused comes with all kinds of issues and that is one of the things that makes them easy targets for predators.

Dennis Lawrence · Top Commenter · Godwin Heights High School · September 5, 2011 at 3:26pm

The Judge makes that called based on a cps social worker statement and many times the defense will not be allowed to present any evidence. We have viewed many family court cases. The evidence to remove the children many times is a ex-parte motion. The cps worker and the judge or referee. the other side is not represented. This is based on a preponderance of evidence. Almost the lowest one can go. Preponderance when the other side is not available to represent themselves. Do I need say more.

Bryan Hudson · Top Commenter · Recovery Specialist at Grand Rapids Towing · September 5, 2011 at 5:26pm

one person questionable, four people and possibly a fifth come on people wake up and quit being so stupid.

Peter Walsh · Top Commenter · Grand Rapids, Michigan · September 5, 2011 at 5:55pm

In this type of thing the number of accusers may actually assist the defense more than the prosecution, depending on the circumstances. When evaluating these things keep in mind the murder case in Quincy where the defendant was acquitted after a second trial because the MSP "forgot" to give the defense some exculpatory evidence and the recently dismissed case agains the fake cop in Grandville. These are "troubled" teens and as the witnesses stated there are probably credibility issues with many of them.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 5, 2011 at 6:06pm

Dennis Lawrence, you are completely wrong. The Child Protective Services agency does its own report and makes its own findings. At the same time the Family Court will have a preliminary hearing, usually the next business day, to decide if the children need to be removed from the home. This is separate from the CPS investigation, in other words CPS can actually make a different decision than the family court.

However, all parties are represented and if Terpening did not have counsel, they would have appointed counsel for him. So everyone gets represented. The only time someone would not be represented is if CPS asked for an emergency, ex parte order to remove his children, however, he would have a hearing the next day.

AS for your comments, Mr. Walsh you are also wildly wrong. What is going to mess this guy up is one simple fact of sex offenders, they tend to target specific ages. These were all older teens. What would be weird is if the ages were spread out.

Having worked in the system, sex offenders are very obvious. They will target specific ages and other features. If this goes to trial, and I doubt it does, what the jury will see are a bunch of young men who look remarkably similar to one another.

Credibility is rarely an issue. Boys, especially troubled boys, do not talk about this stuff. This guy is in huge trouble and it will be huge if these kids reported entirely separately.

Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · September 5, 2011 at 8:02pm

I don't know this man and I don't know the 4 teenagers who are accusing him. However, he's out on bond, NONE of his 8 children have said he's ever molested them... so he should be able to see his kids! As for co-workers making claims... I've worked with disgruntled co-workers who didn't like me and tried to tell lies that could have made me lose my job. Unless there is PROOF of the alleged text message and proof of the molestation he should not be kept from his own family. That's just my opinion.

Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · September 5, 2011 at 8:06pm

Oh and Guest Checks... two boys came forward at first... then one of them recanted the story... then said he was lying and that Terpening did touch him. Make up your mind.... DID or DID IT NOT happen?! It's THAT simple. Then all of a sudden two more teens come forward and then some co-workers.... Why didn't the co-worker report it WHEN it happened? Teenagers who are trouble DO talk about these things sometimes... and sometimes they don't. Don't put all troubled teens in one catergory, because they are not all the same. It sounds to me like they need to dig into the troubled kids' pasts... and question the co-workers extensively... some people don't like positive people who do good work. I'm not sticking up for this man, but I also don't think it's right for people to railroad this man either... he's only being accused, he has not been convicted!

Marcey Herrick Tejeda · BSN · September 5, 2011 at 10:43pm

The co workers who are now reporting this need to be charged. If this is true, they neglected the children they were suppose to be caring for. Why now are they coming out. Nothing makes sense.

Peter Walsh · Top Commenter · Grand Rapids, Michigan · September 5, 2011 at 11:44pm

A lewd text? That convinces me. Sex offenders are very obvious, come one where did that BS come from. Sex offenders are NOT obvious, that is what lets some of them get away with it for years, like this guy if he is guilty. How about that pastor that was just busted in Ottawa County, he was obvious for 20 years? Come on stop regurtitating that kind of garbage.

Mike Davis · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 2:34am

child protective services is more about destroying families than building them up.

George Bradley · Grand Rapids, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:22am

This Linda Timmons character is STUUUUUUUPPPPIDDDDD. I can't believe she said "I know the boy; he has one language, and it's lying," and wants to know "We also need to look at all five of those people who are saying this, and let's look at their background and history," Timmons said. "Are they upstanding, moral, good, working people? Are they people who are believable where you can take their word?"

What a strategy, instead of investigating the guy who has been accused of sexually assaulting at risk kids you instead investigate the at risk kids because you know they only have "one language, and it's lying".
You straight out come and attack the possible victims.
SOOOOO STUPID - no I don't want to know if they are "upstanding, moral, good, working people" I want to know if this guy was assaulting them.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:50am

Wendy Young-Woods, we protect children, first, we do not take risks. These are very serious charges and we do not take risks because a child has not made a claim. The fact you were not caught speeding does not mean you did not speed.

Also, this investigation occurred over a period of time. This was not all of a sudden and surely you are not naive enough to think 4 different kids got together to nail this guy all at once?

And you think this is some kind of fun game for the kids? Do you have any idea how what goes into these investigations?

Of course the proof you are not going to be fair to these kids is the simple fact you demand proof of the molestation? Other than the kid's words what proof do you think will exist?

Honestly, it amazes me people like you put your opinion ahead of kids. The system will resolve this, and most likely with a guilty plea.

Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 5:51pm

Finally we get some details on this "alleged" crime! (heavy on the word "alleged" too, mind you). Why has it taken WOOD-TV8 four articles to find some actual EVIDENCE to report, instead of right from the get-go? When the first 3 articles they publish about this supposed crime contain nothing but baseless allegations, rumors, and "he said/he said" type info, no wonder the comments are through the roof on speculation. And shame on CPS or the courts or whoever is leaking this info bit by tiny bit, so all we're left to do is theorize. They should either seal it completely and not publicize it, or release the entire file so there's no question of his guilt or innocence. It sounds like this guy pissed off the wrong person in "the system" and it's now a political witch-hunt or maybe he was framed? I'll be the first one to eat my words though if more details come out that actually prove 100% that he did what he's accused of doing (which still, I don't think is the end of the world if he did - the accusers are all legally consenting individuals over the age of 16 right?) I still think people are making mountains out of mole-hills yes, but now I'm curious to see what kind of supposed "evidence" the prosecution comes up with. Alright ladies, bring on the reproach & outrage *lol*

Bethany Christian Bethany · Top Commenter · January 6 at 2:20pm

FB

Justice for Michael Terpening[/list][/list]
Barbara Moody-Proctor · Schoolcraft College · September 12, 2011 at 7:47am

Let me tell all of u this much.. CPS will lie up the ying-yang just to make someone look guilty. I know, because it happened to me and the people who made the accusation wouldn't show up in Juvenile Court because they weren't going to commit perjury on the stand. While sitting in the court room, another CPS worker stepped between my legs & the pew in front of me and said, "I've got you good this time." ?? I didn't know her, she'd never dealt with me, so what the he-- was she talking about? So, am I shocked CPS would take this man out of his home away from his family, even though he hasn't even been charged? At least, I haven't heard about any charges, only accusations.

Do kids lie? Anyone who has a teenager knows they lie at one time or another. Does that make them liars in this case? I don't know, and neither does anyone else. Can you believe his co-workers? I can't. Is the man being set up by someone? Could well be. Until all evidence (what evidence?) is presented, the man is only accused of having sex acts with these boys. I don't care what their background is, only what is true and provable. Based on this story, it does appear nothing is credible or provable.. except a man's life could be ruined by wrongful allegations and this wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

Bethany Christian Bethany · Top Commenter · January 6 at 2:20pm

FB

Justice for Michael Terpening[/list][/list]
Bethany Christian Bethany · Top Commenter · January 6 at 2:19pm

FB

Justice for Michael Terpening.[/list]


All content (c) Copyright 2000 - 2012 WOOD Television, Inc.

[Ursus]

More on those "rallying supporters"...

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

WWMT - Newschannel 3
Supporters rally behind former youth home director accused of sexual assault

September 06, 2011 8:37 AM


Video: Support For Former Youth Home Director

A former youth home director faces a number of sexual assault charges and now supporters are rallying behind him.

[/size]
BARRY COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A former youth home director faces a number of sexual assault charges and now supporters are rallying behind him.

Michael Terpening ran a group home near Bellevue called Earth Services.

He is now facing 11 sex charges in Barry County. He is accused of assaulting teens in his care.

A group of supporters say the teens are lying and the allegations are false. They've started a new online petition saying the charges have torn his family apart.

Judith Faye is one of those supporters.

"This man is well-loved throughout the community. He has done so much in the community," said Faye. "We feel like the whole family has been terribly wronged."

The online petition asks state officials to allow Terpening to go home to his family.

Supporters also plan to rally today outside the Barry County Courthouse where Terpening is scheduled to appear for a hearing.


Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

[Ursus]

These comments supporting the alleged perpetrator remind me of all of those news reports....you know, where a guy is a serial killer and all the neighbors are like, "he was a quiet guy, I never would have thought he could do something like this...he seemed like a nice normal person".

People don't seem to believe that they can be fooled.

Well, the "support group" is apparently quite zealous in this case... From that first "rallying supporter" article, "Supporters rally around Terpening," emphasis added:

Supporters of a youth home director accused of sex acts with four clients say the allegations are false and shouldn't be keeping him from his own children.

They've started an on-line petition, a Facebook campaign and posted a Youtube video -- to push the state to re-unite Michael Terpening, who is free on bond, with his eight children.[/list][/size]
The Youtube video: Save the Terpenings [formerly known as "CPS Gone Wild (Save the Terpenings)"]

The Facebook campaign: Justice for Michael Terpening

And here's that petition on Change.org in support of the cause. It currently has almost 700 signatures. Perhaps in no small part due to the accompanying video, which contains several heartrending stills of happy blonde munchkins ... in danger of becoming fatherless should the slow-turning wheels of justice and the strong arms of the state (which do not necessarily share the same agenda) ...seek to make an example out of Michael Terpening.

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Return Michael Terpening to his Family

-> VIDEO: Save the Terpenings

Signatures

685 out of 1,000[/list]
Petitioning

· Appropriations (Bob Genetski)
· Michigan Attorney General (State of Michigan - Attorney General)
· Representative (Lisa Posthumus Lyons)
· Representative (Jim Ananich)
· Speaker of the House (Jase Bolger)
· Michigan DHS (Maura Corrigan)
· Representative (Lesia Liss)
· Representative (Vicki Barnett)
· Assistant to Justin Amash (Justin Amash c/o Jordan Bush)
· Representative (Bob Constan)
· Judiciary Committee (Kurt Damrow)
· Barry County Prosceutor (Thomas Evans)
· Assistant Majority Whip (Holly Hughes)
· Representative (Peter McGregor)
· Speaker Pro-Tempore (John Walsh)
· Head of Appropriations - Human Services (Dave Agema)
· Representative (Joe Haveman)
· Representative (Mike Callton)
· Representative (Ken Yonker)

Created By

Susan Gillihan
Hastings, MI

Why This Is Important

On May 16, 2011 Michael A. Terpening was visited by CPS workers with a false accusation and ordered to leave his home and 8 children (the false allegation had NOTHING to do with his children). Because he knew the allegation was false and hoping to help with the investigation, he did not argue and readily complied. Believing that the State CPS worker was working in the best interests of all involved, he felt that he would only be gone a day or two at the most. After being presented with numerous documentations of proof that nothing happened, the CPS workers continue to keep Michael from his family. Because his wife is being supportive of her husband, she is now being investigated for the alleged crime of neglect. For each child that is removed from a home CPS receives between $3,000 and $5,000 per month per child. This family alone can bring CPS $288,000 - $480,000 per year (approx), via Title 4-D funding and TANF. It’s time to get Michael A. Terpening home with his family! It’s time that we stop allowing the CPS workers the carte blanche that allow them to keep families separated, causing more harm than good. Our Children are not commodities to be bought and sold by the State!

[Ursus]

Here's a sample petition letter included on that Change.org petition page, Return Michael Terpening to his Family:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: State of Michigan.

----------------
Return Michael Terpening to his Family

Michael Terpening is a husband and father of 8 children who has been removed from this home via CPS workers under false allegations. He is being charged with fictitious crimes which will soon be proven in a Court of Law. The fact that he is even involved in a Court of Law is a travesty in itself.

A County CPS worker has taken it upon herself to ‘try and convict’ him of a crime without any evidence, enlisting in the help of other State workers. Because their isn’t any evidence, the State is attempting to manufacture evidence against him. Accusing him of other things which have no bearing on the original charge, such as being a Homosexual. Because he has a clean record, never being convicted of anything (other than a speeding ticket) the State is having a difficult time creating any evidence against him.

In the mean time his children and wife are doing their very best to hold it together in the hopes that Daddy will soon return home. The children range in age from 11 to 1 month. They do not understand why their father cannot be at home, Their Mother is doing her best to explain that daddy will be home soon. The children have been seeing a Counselor with their concerns, the Counselor does not understand why their father is not allowed to come home either. The children have not suffered any abuse the state is alleging, with documentation to prove it. The State CPS workers are refusing to accept this.

Please we are imploring you, as State Officials, to look into the case of Michael Aaron Terpening, see that these charges are fictitious, get them dropped and let him return to his family, where he is needed the most.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

[wdtony]

It might take some time but he will probably get supervised visitation through CPS with a professional neutral party assigned by the state.

Apparently the prosecutor is aware that tactics like exploiting his own children and hiding behind his status are red flags of an abuser.

Thanks for posting!

[Ursus]

From the second "rallying supporters" article above:

Supporters also plan to rally today outside the Barry County Courthouse where Terpening is scheduled to appear for a hearing.

[/size]
Here, several hours later, are the results of that hearing:

Video news footage at the below title link: CUSTODY HEARING FOR ALLEGED ABUSER

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

WOOD-TV8
Accused molester denied more kid time

Judge denied request made by Michael Terpening

Updated: Thursday, 27 Oct 2011, 9:43 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 06 Sep 2011, 4:00 PM EDT
By Ken Kolker


Michael Terpening at a custody hearing for his children (Sept. 6, 2011)

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - A former youth home director accused of molesting four clients will get no more time with his own eight children, despite his attorney's suggestion that the alleged sex crime victims -- all troubled teens -- have reasons to make up the allegations.

Michael Terpening, 32, had asked a judge to allow him to spend time with his children at the family's home. That request was denied on Tuesday.

Now, he can see them only through the Department of Human Services.

"We have allegations from 17-, 18- or 19-year-olds who have been through the system... who have a variety of motivations for what they're testifying to," Terpening's attorney, J. Thomas Schaeffer, told the judge Tuesday.

The children's attorney, who says he's read police reports about the alleged sexual assaults, fought against more visitation time for the father.

"I resent the accusations that these individuals, just because they're convicted felons... that their word is no good," attorney James M. Kinney said. "They can be victims, too."

Terpening, who ran Earth Services and The House Next Door -- a Barry County program for troubled teens -- is charged with 11 counts of sexual assault involving four former clients, all males in their late teens.

Police say more charges might be on the way involving a fifth alleged victim.

None of the charges involve Terpening's own children.

The children's attorney said he believes Terpening has built himself up as a man who can be trusted, to make it easier to find victims.

"When I look at this what I see is a man who is grooming these children. This is a trick; this is their game. This is their way about being open and being sneaky and getting more access to your child."

About 10 supporters sat behind Terpening and his wife, Amanda, in the courtroom. They included friends, a former youth home worker and a former youth home volunteer.

The state has filed a neglect petition to terminate Michael Terpening's parental rights. The children are staying with his wife, their mother.

A DHS prosecutor and two attorneys for the children argued against Terpening's request for more time with his children.

They criticized supporters who have created an online petition and a YouTube video, showing some of the children, on the father's behalf.

"We have Mr. Terpening orchestrating a public display of alleged innocence," Kinney said. "He's exploiting his children, as is his wife, by allowing their pictures to be put on YouTube videos and broadcast to the world."


All content (c) Copyright 2000 - 2012 WOOD Television, Inc.

[Ursus]

Comments left for the above article, "Accused molester denied more kid time" (by Ken Kolker, 06 Sep 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 1-20:


Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 1:19pm

He should be consider INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty! As far as the DHS prosecutor and the "childrens" (considering they are closer to adults!) shouldn't be criticizing anyone... they do NOT know the full story or whether or not these teens are lying. Why did the one teen recant his story... and then decided to change his story again? THAT sounds like he was 1. Lying or 2. Persuaded.... just my opinion! When I listen to their lawyer talk I think maybe HE could be grooming them what to say... SERIOUSLY! I despise dirty lawyers! If you don't have proof then stop tossing the accusations!

This man should have every right to see his children... if the court doesn't want him to be alone with the children, then he should at least get supervised visitation.

Becky Swartzenegger · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 2:07pm

"He's exploiting his children, as is his wife, by allowing their pictures to be put on YouTube videos and broadcast to the world." WAKE UP PEOPLE!! They are right along with millions of others! Type a random name into facebook and see how many pictures you will find of peoples children! Go on YouTube and explore the thousands of videos made and uploaded by children themselves! Children are exploited on the internet by millions every single day! I don't believe this story at all. The prosecution has only given the media accusations and not a single fact of proof! I may be wrong, but if Im right just imagine all the pain and suffering these troubled teens (adults) are causing even more people.

Harry Gladden · Holland, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 2:12pm

Man is accused by a kid of molestation. Man loses job, house and family. If he is later exonerated who pays the price. Maybe social services should learn to back off. No one should be punished before conviction. Their names should not be published, and false accusations should be punished to the max. If someone falsely accuses someone they should have to do the jailtime the accused faced.

Children know when they are lying and should have to understand the consequences.

Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 2:34pm

I agree with the rest of the comments here - something is fishy about this whole story. The "proof" so far doesn't exist or hasn't been written about, because all we seem to be hearing is that there were allegations. Well guess what, anybody can make allegations about anything! "The sky is green." There, see that I just made an allegation! Can I back it up with proof? of course not - but that won't stop the media from endlessly reporting on it without a shred of hard physical evidence.

Dennis Lawrence · Top Commenter · Godwin Heights High School · September 6, 2011 at 2:36pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvYZ_2kTcI[/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 2:57pm

The safety of the children must be paramount. Let's keep in mind there are two lawyers appointed to represent the interests of the children themselves, plus the prosecutor and his lawyer. So far only his lawyer is making this argument.

These are serious allegations with 4 and possibly 5 different young people making serious allegations. What possible reason would they have to make this up?

At any rate this will be resolved through the legal process.

These allegations are not just accepted as fact. These victims would have gone though MANY interviews by many people. These allegations cannot just be tossed out.

Sue Weaver · September 6, 2011 at 3:02pm

I wonder how many of you "supporters" will change your tune when ALL the evidence comes out. Because there is plenty more. Maybe some of you who say social services should back off, should realize that you and the media have perhaps a TENTH of the information that DHS and the court has.

Sue Weaver · September 6, 2011 at 3:03pm

@Wendy - He HAS supervised visitation, at DHS. He wanted unsupervised visits with his children, at their home. He isn't supposed to be there at all. The court said no, continue with supervised visits out of the home.

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 3:17pm

Something is not right here.... he has been accused and hasn't even gone to trial let alone found guilty in a COURT OF LAW (NOT A court of the media!) and the state has already filed a petition to terminate his parental rights?! If he were convicted, I could see having his rights terminated, but while he hasn't been convicted? Fishy.... and sounds more like a witch hunt.......

Becky Swartzenegger · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 3:18pm

Im not saying the allegations should be tossed out. However, they have already convicted this man before even giving him a chance to stand trial. That, I believe is wrong. As I said in the last article, recently the state his given custody to a man who is the only suspect of his wife's murder. The man was allowed to pack up and move away to where the courts do not even know his location. They haven't brought charges on because they do not have the "smoking gun" yet or in other words, they do not have direct evidence that would directly link him to the crime, only circumstantial evidence. If they bring on charges he may be a free murderer if the prosecution doesnt have all their facts straight. So what makes this case so different? You have troubled teens making accusations that continue to change (according to other articles). So that means that this guy is automatically guilty and his life should be taken away from him? Or should he be given a chance to stand trial? Obviously since he is not behind bars as we speak they so not have enough evidence to hold him.

Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 3:41pm

even if he did do it, who cares! age of consent in MI is 16 last time I checked, so for a 32 y/o dude to boink another guy who's 17 or 18 is no big whoop! I say g'on wit yo bad self ya dog! grab a piece of that hot young tail *wooof!!* lol

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:03pm

You people are sick and twisted when you slam the justice system for doing their job and protecting the children the wife and supporters are nut jobs ignorance is their (wife,supporters,and attorney) bliss and denial.

Amanda Alfred · September 6, 2011 at 4:05pm

D J Michael Angelo, your statement of

"even if he did do it, who cares! age of consent in MI is 16 last time I checked, so for a 32 y/o dude to boink another guy who's 17 or 18 is no big whoop! I say g'on wit yo bad self ya dog! grab a piece of that hot young tail *wooof!!* lol"

is quite frankly the most disturbing thing I have ever read.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:19pm

Becky the point is we err on the side of protecting children. You have 4 possibly 5 people making allegations. The fact his own children have said nothing does not mean nothing happened. What it means is there is reason to protect these children as the legal process proceeds.

Mr. DeAngelo, you are pretty sick. These were kids placed in his care by court order. He has huge power over their lives. One call and he can have them returned to detention.

Given what everyone should know about predators, one really has to wonder about his wife. Protect the kids first, let the legal process go forward.

Sue Weaver · September 6, 2011 at 4:21pm

@DJ Michael - the kids were 5 and 8, not teenagers. But don't let the facts get in the way. And there need only be a preponderance of the evidence for civil court. And that should prove to you that obviously, you haven't heard all the evidence of what this man has done.

Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 4:23pm

@ Sue Weaver AND Kate Stevens Chandler--

I'm sorry, I thought in the United States people were supposed to get fair trials in a court of law... not the media! I also thought people were considered innocent until proven guilty. Now, Sue, if you know more details then the rest of us seem to then why don't you go ahead and share. Otherwise it sounds to me as if he is being railroaded!

There is something not right with this story. Also, Guest Checks... there are PLENTY of reasons kids make up lies... however, these are NOT kids... they are YOUNG ADULTS! Some of them have problems with the law and with lying! I am far from sick & twisted. I work in a prison where I see all kinds of men who have done horrible things to children. I have also seen young men who are great at lying... and some who aren't so good at lying.

I choose to get ALL THE FACTS before making a decision about someone I do not know! I don't think it's right to take away his parental rights and not let him see his children, especially when he hasn't even been convicted of the crime! THAT is sick, twisted and disgusting in my opinion!

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:28pm

D J MICHEAL ANGELO U R A DISGUSTING PIG those boys were there to be rehabilitated and one of those boys was mine you sir are dispicable and more than likley need to be investigated yourself.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 4:50pm

Wendy I have worked with many victims of sexual abuse and you are about as wrong as you can be. VERY FEW people just make up allegations. ESPECIALLY boys who do not want to talk about this, and believe me before these charges were filed these young men KNEW they could end up in a court telling this to a jury. They have had many conversations with many people, all of whom are looking to see if this is, "made up"

Of course these are 4 separate young men. I guess they all got together just for the fun of it? There has been a CPS investigation, he was found responsible. A court has authorized charges. It is time to protect kids, not take chances.

But the great Wendy Young-Woods knows better and does not mind possibly throwing the kids under the bus. Let's go ahead and take the risk. Wendy knows best.

I, for one, am very glad people like you are not in the mainstream. You are perfectly willing, following serious reports by 4 people, to put more children at risk. Society does not want kids put at risk and this is why he sees his kids with supervision. They will be protected until this is resolved.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 5:00pm

@ wendy young-woods...
how come you dont want to "judge" this guy but you sure do sound like you want to "Judge" the "Young Adults"
Fair is Fair!! Seems to me that the young adults are being judged because they are in a home for rehab and they are speaking out...seems to be that they have been labled?? there were 11 counts on the table here not one or two..and the real judge must see something wrong or know more of the story then the press is letting out because the real judge feels the need to protect this mans children...untill they get to the bottom of the story and what really happen I think the children should be protected..guilty or not.

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 5:19pm

Wendy maybe we should start judge jury and trialing you if that is even a word. I dont care what you have seen in your prison life and to minimize the offended shame on you. People on you tube that have placed this family on there or approved this are sick and twisted and yes wendy i have An opinion to, i although do not think i am a judge like you seem too, again shame on you by theway how does it feel to be judged by so many opinions on here? Now you know how those boyS feel when you and the community peg them as liars and felons when they know nothing abOut their past or reasons for being there.

Guest check good for you for speaking up thank you.

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[wdtony]

Petition creator: Susan Lynn Gillihan

Her website:

http://miparentalrights.ning.com/profile/SusanGillihan

Personal info:

Phone: 269-721-3313 Dowling Michigan   Age: 50

Upcoming event at the courthouse for Michael Terpening:  http://miparentalrights.ning.com/events ... -terpening