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Ursus:
Comments left for the above article, "Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case" (24/25 Aug 2011, WOOD-TV8):


Renee Beaumont · Shelter Advocate at Women's Information Service Inc. · August 24, 2011 at 5:53pm
So, did he have sex with the animals, or the teens?Angel Adams · Greenville High School · January 15, 2012 at 7:47pm
both bt he is being charged for the teens[/list]
Paul Selkirk · August 24, 2011 at 5:57pm
Whats the deal...full moon or something, Ya got a Pastor, bus driver, animal rescuer and a baby killer all up on sex charge's in one day...WowRay Carigon · August 24, 2011 at 6:37pm
just another front for a pervert to attempt to operate under cover; glad they got him; now hang him up by his testicles & let kids throw spitballs at him for a change...........Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · August 24, 2011 at 7:09pm
Remember... he's only being accused. That doesn't equal guilty! People are SO quick to judge without knowing ALL the facts first... the media sure doesn't help either! I remain free from judgement until I hear cold hard facts...Dennis Lawrence · Top Commenter · Godwin Heights High School · August 25, 2011 at 1:49am
He also takes on foster care children. He takes on the more troubled youths in foster care that no one else wants. They help him run the farm. It was one of these older foster boys that mad this allegation. So I don't know how credible the witness would be. These kids know what happens when they cry with sexual allegations. He has the support of his family and church. This is a very unfortunate situation if this did not happen.Angel Adams · Greenville High School · January 15, 2012 at 7:52pm
i dont know who u think u r but you dont know a darn thing bout this and the older boy that finally came out with the truth is a very credible witness u r a moron![/list]
Laura Reed VanOrsdal · August 25, 2011 at 3:58am
Karma is a wicked woman.Brad Miller · Top Commenter · Works at Retired · August 25, 2011 at 5:12am
Wendy.... unfortunately, now that they have published his name and photo, he will be guilty forever. Rather he is or not.Ken Bird · Wyoming, Michigan · August 25, 2011 at 6:01am
I'm so sick of hearing about this kind of thing over and over again. I think if we had more drastic forms of punishment for these types of crimes it could help act as a deterrent for those tempted to do anything like this in the future.Angel Adams · Greenville High School · January 15, 2012 at 7:53pm
darn right u r a good man with a a good head on your shoulders[/list]
Fred Marks · Grand Rapids Community College · August 25, 2011 at 6:17am
I agree with you Ken. We need a permanent solution for anyone that commits these type of crimes.Marcia Culhane · August 25, 2011 at 6:38am
Oh so because these kids are troubled, we shouldn't believe them Dennis?Jennifer Beznoska McLeod · August 25, 2011 at 7:15am
This man and his wife adopted my friend's kids after they fostered them for some time. How sad...take away kids from an "unfit mom" and give them to a child molester? way to go, State of Michigan!!Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · August 25, 2011 at 7:57am
Before we all get on our high horse and string him up on the nearest tree, remember this; Not 2 weeks ago 3 boys were released from confinement because they were accused, tried AND convicted of killing a child.... Yet 10 years later it was proven they were totally innocent of this crime.Scotty David Burkman · Busser/Dishwasher at Olive Garden · August 25, 2011 at 8:59am
The problem with our system and society these days is that people, the media, and our justice system make people out to look like they are guilty until proven innocent. When really, the written law says, INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY, EVERYONE should be given a fair trial and EVERYONE should be given the benefit of the doubt until convicted in a court of law. For all you people out there that are passing judgement and pointing fingers when REALLY, you don't know of ANY evidence in this case, JUST WAIT until either you or yours are falsely accused. You will REALLY get a taste of how it feels then.Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · August 25, 2011 at 9:06am
Exactly Scott - Too many people are making false claims, yet nothing is done to those. It used to be a Felony to make a false accusation. Now, it's rarely pursued if ever at all. Why? Because generally there is no money to be made from those who are making false accusations.

This particular case? There is money to be made BY the State... I've done some research into this. Each month each child brings in quite a bit of money. If they are removed from one home and put into another, their is no pro-rating the full amount is paid each time a 'shuffle' is done.Stacy Anderson Hislop · Inside Account Manager at BR Wholesale · August 25, 2011 at 11:35am
I couldnt agree more with Scott. I know Mr. Terpening personally, even helped him set up his boys home. He is as honest, hard-working, good-hearted and innocent as the day is long. Under no circumstances is he guilty of these crimes. It saddens me to see someone work as hard as he has to "be the change" in the world only to be thrust into a situation such as this. I wonder how many of you with unpleasant things to say do as much for individuals in need as this young man has not only attempted but accomplished in their life time. Sadly, Mr. Terpening's exoneration from these horrific charges will NOT be front page news. Sometimes where there's smoke there isnt fire . . .just smoke and a lot of hot air coming from dim-witted, quick-to-judge individuals blowing it all around.Angel Adams · Greenville High School · January 15, 2012 at 7:58pm
do u know how many people have known other child molesters for years and would have never thought that they would do something that aweful but when they r convicted with pictures or witnesses or victims there cant b any more denying the truth.[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · August 25, 2011 at 11:59am
One of the boys recanted his story, wrote a letter to the Judge stating that he and another boy concocted the entire story to get out of the home and go their own way. The Judge threw out his letter. The other boy is known to make false accusations, he has done it 5 other times (the same types of accusations) in his stays at various Foster care homes, this information is being ignored as well. The Judge has refused to let Mike have his own Attorney, making him get another one. There is something seriously FISHY going on behind the scenes in this case, with the Prosecution AND CPS...Dennis Lawrence · Top Commenter · Godwin Heights High School · August 25, 2011 at 12:13pm
We have been investigating this case since May. The other boy recanted his story. He said that they had made this up. @ Scott maybe some day these people will know what people go through on false allegations. @ Sue the info you have is the same that we have gathered. Something is going on behind the scenes on this.Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · August 25, 2011 at 1:35pm
Dennis - Is there anyway to get say the News Team themselves to do an investigation? On the crooked politics that seems to be happening? This is just so scary!! How someone can be basically convicted of committing a crime before they ever get their day in Court, as is happening with this case!!

I read up on the policies of the CPS - It is perfectly LEGAL for them to make accusations without any evidence what so ever! I have 'cause to believe', those 3 little words, 'cause to believe' can turn your world into a nightmare beyond comprehension. That's all a case worker has to say...

http://www.redgage.com/c-leidif - This is an article with links etc that I have researched into the happenings of people falsely charged. This has turned into McCarthism at it's finest!![/list]
Wendy Young-Woods · Top Commenter · August 25, 2011 at 7:33pm
James McNeil... there's a BIG difference in the stories too. One man was charged for the assault and death of his baby... this man is only being accused. Unless he's charged he's not guilty in my opinion. I am not saying just because someone is charged that they are guilty either, but in the other story the police have evidence of his lying... Anyone who can do sick and twisted things to children are disgusting and need serious help. So don't tell me I am a full of crap!

My Uncle and Aunt used to do foster care... they always had girls the same age as my cousins so they would have kids the same age around. Well the girls they got were just HORRIBLE. One of them was angry because she got caught being out past curfew and they grounded her and took away some of her favorite items. She in return poked holes with a needle ALL over their waterbed... and then she also called the police and said my Uncle touched her. The other foster girls came forward and said she was lying because she told them she didn't want to live there because they had rules, and that she was going to make up a story so she could go to a different home.

People who lie about being touched should get charged as well. This RUINS a persons' life... regardless if they are found innocent or not... there will always be people who think they are guilty after a story such as this! It's not fair to the person who is truly innocent.Ludmilla Lepeschkin · UVM,EMU,burlington college · August 30, 2011 at 6:21pm
I agree, charges are not convictions. I am reserving any judgementAngel Adams · Greenville High School · January 15, 2012 at 7:37pm
none of u morons know what u r talking about this man did this and these kids finally comin forward has nothing to do with the got mad at him and they were in foster care so they r just messed up that's bull stereotype and they didn't come forward before for fear people like u idiots makin these dumb comment would not believe them! All of u people blaming the kids instead of the pervert need to get bent!

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Ursus:
Michigan Live LLC
Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes

Published: Thursday, August 25, 2011, 8:43 AM  ·   Updated: Thursday, August 25, 2011, 10:29 AM
By  Rosemary Parker | Kalamazoo Gazette


Michael Terpening

HASTINGS — The director of a private youth home was charged Wednesday with various sexual crimes involving several of the troubled teens lodged at the residential facility.

Michael Terpening, 32, of Bellevue, was arraigned Wednesday in Barry County District Court on nine felony counts of criminal sexual conduct and aggravated indecent exposure on multiple teen victims, according to a news release from Michigan State Police.

He was the director of Earth Services Youth Home  at 15485 Jenkins Road, in southeast Barry County's Assyria Township.

Judge Michael Schippers set bond at $250,000, according to the release.

Terpening was not in jail Thursday morning, according to jail officials.

A Michigan State Police spokesperson who declined to be identified said the case unfolded after an older teen at the residential facility for teens in trouble complained of being victimized and other alleged victims were discovered.

The incidents took place over several months, he said, with all victims residents of the home.

According to its website, Earth Services:

"is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The organization was originally founded in 1998 as Educated Animal Rescue, E.A.R. and then grew to become E.A.R.T.H., Educated Animal Rescue and Teen Haven. As of today, it has become Earth Services. Located in Lower Michigan, amongst the trees and rolling farmland of the rural Bellevue/Battle Creek area, our facility reaches out to our community and beyond, helping animals find their perfect place!"

© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Ursus:
Comments left for the above article, "Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes" (by Rosemary Parker; August 25, 2011; Michigan Live LLC/Kalamazoo Gazette), #s 1-20:


0000000 · August 25, 2011 at 9:25AM
Good God a'Friday! Is this rape and molsetation of kids and women going epidemic? Its happened/happening in the most trusted institutions the country - in the US Congress, schools, churches, the Boy Scouts, this residential facility for at risk kids who are more prisoners than residents, etc. And just look at the news today, so many perpetrated by individuals like this accused facility manager, preacher at Walker, and the (I use the word loosely) man who is alleged to have killed his three month old infant daughter by forcing oral sex on her. What is happening to the male race? Is this perverted behavior the result of acceptance of homosexual behavior, teaching alternative lifestyles in our schools - what? We need to find out and do something about it. If we don't we will end up with impaired adults, crippled by the mental damage inflicted on them as kids who have no power to stop it and reporting it and testifying in court are nightmares as well with victims having to prove the charges and their innocense as well. In no way is it acceptable to have any sexual contact with minors and rape at any age is against the law - and everyone doing it knows it. Its enough to cause a person to dispair.ZLawMatters · August 25, 2011 at 10:17AM
Having worked with troubled kids, here are some numbers to think about...Kids in the, "system" 80% have been sexually abused.

By age 18, 1 in 4 girls, 1 in 5 boys.

By the way this is far from limited to men, women do this stuff in numbers people would not believe.[/list]
axmenoquestions · August 25, 2011 at 9:56AM
I believe your right 00000 it is the homosexual agenda being pushed in the schools and diversity groups that is to blame for this activity.zoo2 · August 25, 2011 at 10:21AM
No, it was prevalent long before those programs. It's just a lot easier for news to spread now, and more avenues for children to speak out.

Besides- the people who primarily push against homosexual agendas are among the highest offenders, i.e. churches. That's like the pot calling the kettle black.Janine Moore · August 25, 2011 at 2:05PM
Homosexual agenda? Geez enlightened ones thanks for your insight. But wait! Maybe we should just blame the jews -- oh wait, that's been done. How about the black people -- dang that one's taken too. Maybe the victims -- are they asking for it? Here's a thought. Let's blame the perpetrators and stop trying to push our personal, propaganda using the misfortune of others.[/list]
stmason · August 25, 2011 at 10:39AM
Thanks, Zoo2. Good post. Is it just me, but the gay population seems to be singled out as the root to all evil?? Nope, I'm not gay. I just have a more realistic view of things.who · August 25, 2011 at 11:43AM
This E.A.R.T.H. place sounds pretty darn fishy in the first place. It's an animal rescue organization that houses 'troubled youth' - really?? What qualifies them for that? What regulations are set up by the state or local government to control what these people are doing? Don't drop the ball on this story - please investigate further.Korrie · August 25, 2011 at 12:02PM
I'm kind of thunderstruck. I grew up two houses down from this man for many years of my life. I am 20 yrs old. Every free moment of my day as a child was spent going to Mike's house and feeding the goats or horses and learning from Mike different things about the animals.
I remember handing the man a blanket when his house burned down and we had to watch. I remember when he got married and when his first child was born. I also knew a lot of the teens that he nurtured.
Now I haven't seen Mike in about 3 1/2 years, because I moved out of state for college. But I never once in all those years saw anything that seemed perverted about Mike. He always treated me with respect and kindness.
This is the last thing I would have ever expected. And I apologize to any that may be hurt by this but, I have a hard time believing it to be true.
If I'm wrong I will apologize again and be extremely surprised.
Thanks everybody. -Korrieslh · August 25, 2011 at 2:41PM
If you grew up down the street from Mr. Terpening then you know what a decent man he is and you also know that he will be exonerated of all these charges. What you might consider being thunderstruck by is the disrespect he is receiving on this page.Ladyfarmer1280 · August 25, 2011 at 9:57PM
I have known Mike since he was 12 yrs old, I knew his uncle and his grandfather as well. I knew Mike as a kid who loved to show his horses and was always helping out his fellow 4-H members with thier horses too. Kind, respectful, and always winning awards for "citizenship". I remember when he started Educated Animal Rescue, and him going out in the middle of the night to pick up horses from abandon farms where they'd been left to fend for themselves or die. I remeber him sleeping in the barn with an animal in critical shape to be sure the animal got the best he could give of care. I refuse to believe that this man who could care for animals and children so well would do this,--and don't believe he did anything.
In this world we have "troubled teens" who will say anything in retaliation. Maybe they don't want to do chores--which was Mike's rule, maybe they don't want to be bothered with helping with an animal's feeding/cleaning after or care--but that was Mike's rule as well.
I am a parent and have worked with teens myself and know that the best we can do as parents/guardians/adults they shadow is to teach our youth responsibility, which they "bulk" at with great abandon, but they will be the one's who need these skills for their adult life, or they will wind up with the law in thier back pocket.
The "witch hunt" needs to stop right here. There are allegations--thats all they have on Mike--and the proof is their burden. So the process has begun. For those who want to crusify him before his conviction, I'll say this, your time will come also, ---what goes around/comes around, and there's a time to every purpose under Heaven. Mike has saved a whole lot of animals and a whole lot of kids, he with stood pretty deep investigations to recieve his license for the home---and when he adopted his 2 children last year, so either the system failed then (IF he turns up guilty)--or the kids who complained are lyers now. I perfer to believe my gut insticts, and say that the kids lyed for retaliation.[/list]
tranesong2 · August 25, 2011 at 1:15PM
I'm guessing this guy never saw the movie Sleepers, with Kevin Bacon.ploobius · August 25, 2011 at 1:57PM
Oh come on, really? Do you guys really believe that these rapists, child molesters, and other scum are a product of "homosexual agenda"? "diversity groups"? "the result of acceptance of homosexual behavior, teaching alternative lifestyles in our schools"? Or are you just using this as an opportunity to spew your OWN agenda, anti-homosexuality?

Sadly, the crimes perpetrated by Terpening, Butler (pastor from Walker), Deuman, etc have always been with us. What's changed/changing is us, society, finally. We are starting to hear to the victims instead of denying, ignoring or covering up the abuse. But obviously we've still got a long way to go.slh · August 25, 2011 at 6:34PM
What crimes have been perpetrated by Terpening? Arent they accusations first and crimes after a trial and conviction. You are many miles ahead of yourself here.[/list]
slh · August 25, 2011 at 2:55PM
I am saddened by the reporting in this article. It is written to sell newspapers and ad space and not to report facts. Will Mr. Terpening's exoneration be "front page news"? I wonder. The ending paragraph quoting the mission statement of the organization is tasteless and meant to mock. Those responsible should be terminated. Or better yet; maybe someone should falsely accuse them of some heinous and baseless crime so that they may experience this for themselves. I have known Mr. Terpening for some time. I have nothing but respect for his tireless work on "being the change" he wants to see in the world. Not many people dedicate their life to helping others as he has. I have no doubt further investigation will prove these accusations false but what of the damage to his life, family, reputation and heart in the meanwhile? At minimum I recommend that anyone hearing about or reading this information remember that in this country, we are innocent until proven guilty. Please, hold off judgement until the facts are made clear. We all owe everyone that much dont we? And wouldnt we want that for ourselves?trojan02 · August 25, 2011 at 7:33PM
ok i knew this man as well, i haven't spoken to him in about a year and a half or so but i hope to god that this was not going on when i had last spoken to him. I pray to god that if this is true, that these victims find a way to heal after all of this has ended. Even though some might feel he is innocent until proven guilty, in which this country he is, he is already guilty for causing these boys to go through such torment with this investigation. This should have never been an issue in the first place.JDP86 · August 26, 2011 at 12:13AM
Did it ever cross your mind that maybe just maybe he didnt cause this investigation. Maybe some cry of wolf on the boys part for attention? You dont know the half of the story, just the itsy bitsy paragraphs above, and so you think you have a right to judge. Shame on you! Did any of you Naive minded people think for 2 seconds about the twisted mind of the person making the accusations. Or maybe you guys were all there and know EXACTLY what happened? I mean if you all want to be so judgemental, I would at least hope you have the facts to back it up. So why yes he does look like hell, do you think maybe it is from not sleeping because of a single lie that some person made, and now his whole family is being affected? Did you ever think that he has a heart way bigger than any of you, and that maybe he is more upset because of what this is doing to his family? Ive known him for more than 1/2 my life, and Im telling you that he does have a heart way bigger than mine or yours. That he is a normal guy trying to help very very troubled youth. Kids will say things to get attention from anyone, and In most cases I would imagine a child wouldnt say this without it being true, but do you know the teen? Do you know if he has been to juvenile detention, or made this accusation multiple times before? Get real people and grow up, and keep your childish comments to yourselves. You werent there, and as adults your naive comments make you look stupid as hell![/list]
ploobius · August 26, 2011 at 9:18PM
Sorry slh, you are right. Even though I mentioned the 3 names, I was speaking of sexual abusers in general and should have made that clearer. For all involved, I hope the accusations against Mr Terpening are found to be baseless and if accusers were lying they should dealt with accordingly.

I was trying to address the first 2 comments by 0000000 and axmenoquestions, and their idiotic notions . (now I'm pissed all over again)LudicrousSpeed · September 01, 2011 at 11:41AM
Have any of you naysayers bothered to look at the DHS investigation report that's been made public? Or are you calling it "evidence"?

Proof is in the pudding, and allegedly he left it on the pantry floor......madasheck · September 17, 2011 at 3:33AM
This man was a sheep in wolves clothing. Yes, he was a prominent citizen, he done charitable things in the community, A man with a bigger heart , a so called normal man who was capable of commiting these sexual crimes. People do not know what happens behind close doors. There are many child molesters who have molested children who have been all those things. He abused his power with his position in Earth Services. He knows all about the victims because of the postion he held and will try and use it against these boys. One comment I read from his aunt this boys are lying because of there past. There not credible according to some but see a pedophile uses his power to over power there victims. Michaels power is his knowledge of these victims personal information. There is not just one teen victim there are several teen victims. Who did not reside at earth services at the same time. Also, just because a teen has been to juvenile detention doesnt mean that what Michael did to him makes it less true. Again, I repeat there are several teen victims not just one. There also was enough evidence for this man to stand trial. which wasn't based on one teen who had been to juvenile detention. I hope he goes to prison, has to register as a sex offender and never allowed around children anymore. My heart goes out to the victims because they already had obstacles to overcome when they went to earth services which was supposed to be a place to help the teens instead they were victimized by Michael Terpening and the supporter of Michael terpening who in the long run will find out not only is he a pedophile but a liar...educated · November 03, 2011 at 6:53PM
For Terpening and his supporters, this case is to their benefit being in Barry County. Just before the Barry County prosecutor has to start the preparation for trial, he will let the defense attorney come up with the settlement offer which will be next to nothing. His biggest concern is the amount of work and effort that will need to be put forth in order to prosecute the case accordingly and God forbid it cut into his afternoons off! Victims rights? Whatever! And...for any supporters of a person who has committed a sexual offense...keep in mind...people are different behind closed doors. Do you really think the perp will share with you the sexual crimes he/she is committing or has committed? Come on! Get real! Perps manipulate their victims so what makes you think they haven't manipulated you? WAKE UP AMERICA! Teach your children to say, "NO" and tell them if someone asks them to keep a secret they are most likely breaking the law. For the victims...words couldn't begin to express the sympathy I have for you and your families.

© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Ursus:
Comments left for the above article, "Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes" (by Rosemary Parker; August 25, 2011; Michigan Live LLC/Kalamazoo Gazette), #s 21-22:


Katie Rucinski · January 07, 2012 at 5:29PM
Mike Terpening is innocent he has npt done any of these crimes. I have known him for 10a or 15 years and also volunteered at earth for 3 months maybe more. Mike and amanda are the most nicest people you will ever meet. They are being torn up by the court systems with people wrong fully accusing him. Keep you chin up mike and amanda things will get better. :) LudicrousSpeed · January 09, 2012 at 11:40AM
Katie, do your future a favor and pull your head out of the sand.[/list]


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Ursus:
Michigan Live LLC
Former EARTH Services director arrested on nine felony counts

Published: Friday, August 26, 2011, 1:07 PM   ·  Updated: Monday, August 29, 2011, 12:28 PM
By Herb Woerpel


MICHAEL AARON TERPENING · Photo supplied

Police have arrested the former director of Educated Animal Rescue and Teen Haven (EARTH) Services organization on nine felony counts including criminal sexual conduct and aggravated indecent exposure.

Michael Aaron Terpening, of Bellevue, was arraigned in Barry County's 56-B District Court on charges of two counts of criminal sexual conduct third degree, three counts of aggravated indecent exposure, criminal sexual conduct – assault to commit sexual penetration and three counts of criminal sexual conduct fourth degree.

The charges resulted from an extensive investigation into the EARTH organization, police said. EARTH, based in Bellevue, was founded in 1998 and is funded through donations as well as state and federal grants. The investigation remains ongoing.


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

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