Fornits

Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => News Items => Topic started by: wdtony on January 16, 2012, 02:26:37 AM

Title: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 16, 2012, 02:26:37 AM

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gu ... -terpening (http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/more-charges-against-michael-terpening)


More sex charges for former youth director


32-year-old Michael Terpening

Updated: Tuesday, 30 Aug 2011, 6:07 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 30 Aug 2011, 8:54 AM EDT

BELLEVUE, Mich. (WOOD) - A youth home director already facing 11 charges of molesting boys from the home is expected to face new charges after a fifth victim came forward on Monday, state police said.

The latest victim's allegations are similar to the others: That Michael Terpening sexually assaulted him in his position as executive director of Earth Services -- a camp near Bellevue, between Hastings and Battle Creek, meant to help troubled boys by allowing them to work on a farm, police said.

The state Department of Human Services licensed the youth home for 15 boys, ages 10 to 17. Many are troubled; some were ordered there by the courts, police said.

"I'd equate it to a predator operating in an environment in which he held all the cards and had a lot of control over the targets that he was after," State Police 1st Lt. Chuck Christensen told 24 Hour News 8 on Tuesday. "They were there to try and get on the right path, and he took advantage of that in his position."

The investigation began in May, after an alleged victim told a board member of Earth Services that Terpening had sexually assaulted him.

Earth Services, also known as The House Next Door, is a tax-exempt non-profit organization that works with "at-risk teens," according to IRS tax records. In 2009, it spent more than $142,000 in programing.

"Each teen is provided counseling, education and each teen is assigned a rescue animal, making it their responsibility to care for another life," the tax filing states.

The state police investigation uncovered a second alleged victim, leading to a total of nine charges, ranging from fondling to sexual penetration.

Two more boys later came forward, leading to charges No. 10 and 11. Terpening was arraigned on those charges on Monday and released on a $300,000 bond.

Then, on Monday, a fifth victim reached out to police, Christensen said.

"A lot of times, in cases like these, the victims might be apprehensive about coming forward," Christensen said. "But when it's aired and they see that it didn't just happen to them, they're a lot more forthcoming."

Police say Terpening got to know the victims on the farm, then molested them elsewhere. They say the assaults began several years ago.

One neighbor said he doesn't believe the allegations and has written a letter to court in support of Terpening.

Another neighbor says he's waiting to pass judgment.

"Until he's tried and convicted, I'm not going to convict him," Paul Langford said. "Like I say, if it's true, it's terrible. You're supposed to be helping these kids and you're taking advantage of them."

Police, in the meantime, say they're waiting for more possible victims.

"I would not be surprised if we did have more," Christensen said. "I would expect it."

State officials say they pulled the remaining six or seven boys from the home when they learned of the allegations. They are working to revoke the program's license.

Terpening was first arrested and arraigned last week on nine charges and posted a $250,000 bond.



Also, a related report states that there are now 6 victims and 12 sexual assault charges filed:  

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/arti ... ire-Report (http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20120114/NEWS01/201140315/Police-Fire-Report)

Title: Re: "More sex charges for former youth dir."
Post by: Ursus on January 17, 2012, 01:30:27 AM

Pics from the above article in the OP, "More sex charges for former youth dir. (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411781#p411744)":

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/08/24/michael_terpening_082411_20110824204215_320_240.JPG)
Michael Terpening (Aug. 24, 2011)

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/08/30/terpening-mailbox-083011_20110830171946_320_240.JPG)
Michael Terpening ran Earth Services in Hastings (Aug. 30, 2011)


(c) Copyright 2000 - 2012 WOOD Television, Inc.[/list]

Title: Comments: "More sex charges for former youth dir."
Post by: Ursus on January 17, 2012, 01:33:34 AM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/more-charges-against-michael-terpening) left for the above article, "More sex charges for former youth dir. (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411781#p411744)" (30 Aug 2011, WOOD-TV8):


Eddie Bullard ·  Top Commenter · Ottawa Hills High School · August 30, 2011 at 6:16am

Cut it off .

Joe Koets · August 30, 2011 at 6:51am

I wonder if they housed sheep too????

Dirt Farmer · December 26, 2011 at 4:12pm

You're an idiot.

[/list]
Mike Boerman · Langston, Michigan · August 30, 2011 at 7:27am

This is all a hoax, why doesn't WOOD-TV8 report the fact that one of the "victims" (sic) admitted he made up the allegations, and wrote a letter to the judge who promptly threw it away? Michael T's gonna have a good case for a defamation of character/slander lawsuit on his hands against the people responsible for this witchunt once it's all over and the truth comes to light. Shame on the media for not investigating this suspicious angle! There are obviously TWO SIDES to every story, and the comments from WOOD's previous article even made it super easy, here's what one person said:

"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..."

Sam McQuern · Hastings High School · August 30, 2011 at 8:43am

What is your source DJ?

Jason Gleason · August 30, 2011 at 9:14am

If charges have came up time after time there must be some thing here around the neighbor hood people have been say this for years. I feel sorry for all the kids that had to feel the pain of this.

Tina George Sheely · August 30, 2011 at 10:41am

I think that all these sick child molesting perverts should have their male members amputated and put behind bars for the rest of their lives and more so the ones that keep offending. Just keeping them away from schools and daycare is not going to keep a sick pervert who likes to molest little kids is not going to stop them. Then they allow these twisted people to be around little kids anyways if they happen to be in a relationship with someone who has kids. That is just wrong, what is going to stop them from molesting the stupid mother’s children. No these sick, twisted, child molesting, perverts need to have their male member amputated and put behind bars for the rest of their sick, twisted perverted lives. It is so wrong to allow them back out on the streets so they can offend again and again and again.....

Stephanie Mickaus Hurst · Sr. SW Regional Advocate at Mothers Against Drunk Driving · August 30, 2011 at 12:33pm

Stick him in prison! The boys in there know what to do with perverts. Loser.

Angie Hinckley · August 30, 2011 at 3:26pm

I went to school with Mike and I find this whole thing really hard to believe. Mike was the one in school that was always there for others I just dont believe it

Dennis Lawrence ·  Top Commenter · Godwin Heights High School · August 30, 2011 at 3:41pm

All 5 boys should file a federal lawsuit for monetary damages against Michigan DHS for placing them here in the first place.

Red Thenews · Top Commenter · Grocery Cart Wrangler at Ralphs Market · August 30, 2011 at 4:15pm

Very sad, his facebook page still has all his photos of his family set to public not private. I feel bad for his wife a kids after seeing them.

Mandy Elmer · August 30, 2011 at 7:21pm

DJ how dare you. You dont know jack!

Alana Timmons Berthold · Bellevue High School · September 5, 2011 at 5:25am

DJ is closer to the truth than you know, Mandy.

Sam Gorton · Pennfield High School · September 27, 2011 at 3:21pm

Sounds like a lynch mob on here. If all of you that are passing judgement on here, are proven wrong, you will be judged. I think D.J. has some very credible evidence, and the judge just wants to move this along and convict a possible innocent man.
If you know how to pray, why don't you pray for the PA the jury and the judge, that God reveals the truth to them.
That is my prayer.

Dirt Farmer · December 26, 2011 at 4:11pm

Judges do not convict, juries do.

[/list]
Melissa Yant · Works at B And S Auto · October 11, 2011 at 5:58am

I think its sick and un called for. Helping those kids and then doing that. Sick sick. If its true throw him in prison and throw the key away. I went to purchase a horse there and he ended up being lame and mike tried screwing me out of horse and not give me anything. But at end I did get nice paint after talking with lawyers and the woman that worked at earth services. Thank you dani blue is great.

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

Title: Former youth home director accused of sexually assaulting ki
Post by: Ursus on January 18, 2012, 10:34:50 PM

This saga actually hit the news 'bout 6 days prior to the article (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411876#p411744) in the OP. At first it was 9 counts (~24 August), then it got upped to 11 (~30 August). And then... well, I guess you'll just have to read on!

The investigation started even earlier, in May or June. Because the Dept. of Human Services used to place kids in this facility, they investigated it in the wake of the first allegations.

Here's some of that earlier coverage:

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

WWMT - Newschannel 3
Former youth home director accused of sexually assaulting kids (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/michael-1395064-youth-director.html)

August 24, 2011 6:35 PM

(http://http://images.onset.freedom.com/wwmt/medium/lqgem7-lqgehqterpening.jpg)
Michael Aaron Terpening

BARRY COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A former youth home director in Barry County is accused of sexually assaulting children.

Yesterday 32-year-old Michael Terpening was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, three counts of aggravated indecent exposure, criminal sexual conduct-assault to commit sexual penetration and three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree.

He ran a group home for teens called Earth Services on Jenkins Road near Bellevue.

Neighbors say it was a place for troubled teens to stay and some of them would work next door at Terpening's farm. One neighbor tells us there were about six teenage boys living at the home at any given time.

They all left about a month ago while Terpening was being investigated.

Prosecutors say Terpening also has kids of his own and foster children.

Investigators still aren't releasing who the alleged victim is.

Right now Terpening is being held on a $250,000 bond at the Barry County Jail.

(http://http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d16/unsecured/media/980547731/980547731_1128744889001_vs-1128745821001.jpg?pubId=980547731)
Video: Former Youth Director Faces CSC Charges (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/michael-1395064-youth-director.html)

A former youth home director in Barry County is accused of sexually assaulting children.

[/size]

Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

Title: Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case
Post by: Ursus on January 18, 2012, 11:27:49 PM

This facility apparently began as an animal rescue organization, then expanded to include "troubled teens." From the below article:

Earth Services began 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," according to its website.

The non-profit organization's

Facebook page (http://http://www.facebook.com/EARTH.Services?sk=wall) says it helps "youth and animals find their perfect fit in society."

Earth Services says it is "dedicated to helping the youth who need a second change to succeed in their community. It also helps house animals that have been abused, neglected, or owner relinquished."[/list][/size]
-------------- • -------------- • --------------

WOOD-TV8
Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/Animal-rescuer-jailed-on-sex-charges)

Michael Terpening, 32, of Bellevue

Updated: Thursday, 25 Aug 2011, 10:07 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 24 Aug 2011, 8:43 PM EDT

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/08/24/michael_terpening_082411_20110824204215_320_240.JPG)
Michael Terpening (Aug. 24, 2011)

BELLEVUE, Mich. (WOOD) - The founder of a youth home and animal rescue organization in Barry County has been arraigned in a sex crime allegedly involving multiple teen victims.

Michael Aaron Terpening is no longer the director of Earth Services (http://http://www.earthservices.org/), 15485 Jenkins Road in Bellevue, state police said.

State police arrested the 32-year-old Bellevue resident on Wednesday. He was then charged in Barry County District Court on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct; three counts of aggravated indecent exposure, one count of criminal sexual conduct - assault to commit sexual penetration; and three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He posted a $250,000 bond late Wednesday night and released from custody.

"The charges resulted from an extensive investigation into Terpening and Earth Services," state police said in a statement.

Earth Services began 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," according to its website.

The non-profit organization's Facebook page (http://http://www.facebook.com/EARTH.Services?sk=wall) says it helps "youth and animals find their perfect fit in society."

Earth Services says it is "dedicated to helping the youth who need a second change to succeed in their community. It also helps house animals that have been abused, neglected, or owner relinquished."


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

Title: Comments: "Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case"
Post by: Ursus on January 18, 2012, 11:54:51 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/Animal-rescuer-jailed-on-sex-charges) left for the above article, "Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411881#p411878)" (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...Wow

Ray 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 (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 judgement

Angel 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!

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

Title: Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 02:32:03 PM

Michigan Live LLC
Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/barry_county_youth_home_direct.html)

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

(http://http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/snapshot-2011-08-25-10-00-38jpg-80f1cdae2977b32e.jpg)
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.

Title: Comments: "Barry County youth home director charged with..."
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 02:45:00 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/barry_county_youth_home_direct/4132/comments-2.html) left for the above article, "Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411897#p411896)" (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. -Korrie

slh · 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

Title: Comments: "Barry County youth home director charged with..."
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 03:33:47 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/barry_county_youth_home_direct/4132/comments-2.html) left for the above article, "Barry County youth home director charged with sex crimes (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411899#p411896)" (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.

Title: Former EARTH Services director arrested on nine felony count
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 03:42:48 PM

Michigan Live LLC
Former EARTH Services director arrested on nine felony counts (http://http://www.mlive.com/wayland/index.ssf/2011/08/former_earth_services_director.html)

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

(http://http://media.mlive.com/wayland/photo/9931923-large.jpg)
MICHAEL AARON TERPENING · Photo supplied

Police have arrested the former director of Educated Animal Rescue and Teen Haven (http://http://www.earthservices.org/) (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.

Title: Child Sexual Assault Charges Serve as Troubling Reminder...
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 10:45:31 PM

Michael Terpening is even brought up as being in a roster of recently newsworthy local pedos in this "public service reminder," so to speak, aired by FOX 17 News:

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FOX 17
Child Sexual Assault Charges Serve as Troubling Reminder for Parents (http://http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-child-sexual-assault-charges-serve-as-troubling-reminder-for-parents-20110826,0,4142730.story)

Lisa LaPlante · FOX 17 News Reporter
6:47 p.m. EDT, August 26, 2011

(http://http://timg.gumiyo.com/5/28/post/760310/obj1314400703492tmb.jpeg)

KENT COUNTY, Mich.— For parents, talking to kids about sexual abuse is uncomfortable, but necessary. Even experts say it's a difficult topic for parents to discuss with kids. With several high-profile allegations of child sexual abuse in the news, it's good to know there is help out there, if you are ready to start the conversation.

Four men in positions of authority over children were charged with child sexual abuse. None of the cases are related, but four cases making headlines in one week is certainly unusual. Rachael DeWitt with the Children's Advocacy Center in Ottawa County says news like this serves as a sad reminder that there are predators out there, often closer than parents know. "Make sure that you're not only talking about stranger danger," DeWitt told FOX 17 News. "We know that most often it's not a stranger in fact."

Recent cases include Pastor Tedd Butler of Ottawa County: allegations dating back to 1984. One of the alleged victims, now an adult, says he was assaulted over six years, some 50-to-60 times, staring at the age of three. In Gaines Township, Mark Carfine, a youth soccer coach from the Byron Center 'American Youth Soccer Organization,' is charged with two counts of sexual misconduct with a 12 year old girl; a family acquintance who was not on his soccer team. James Kohn, a school bus driver in Hastings, is accused of forcing a girl to have sex with him. And Michael Terpening, a youth haven director in Bellvue, is facing nine counts, including criminal sexual conduct involving minors. All four men face criminal charges at this time.

In each case, investigators let the media know of the charges. "A lot of times, if something did happen, the kids might be a little apprehensive to be forthcoming with the information," Lt. Chuck Christensen of the Michigan State Police told FOX 17 News. "But we just stress that they sit down and talk to them and see what they can find out, if anything."

Police say when charges like these are covered by the media, oftentimes, other victims come forward, even in unrelated cases. DeWitt says parents should stress to children: don't keep secrets, and don't be scared to tell adults if someone touches you in an area that would be covered by swimwear. "I think the most important thing you can do is talk to your child about body safety from a young age," DeWitt says. "Where it's ok and not ok to touch, and periodically check in with them, review body safety and ask them, has anybody touched you in any of these places where it's not okay?'


Copyright © 2012, WXMI-TV

Title: Former Barry County youth home director arraigned on two...
Post by: Ursus on January 19, 2012, 10:56:55 PM

Now we come to the point where two additional charges of criminal sexual conduct are added to the already nine... More victims have come forward or were "discovered."

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Michigan Live LLC
Former Barry County youth home director arraigned on two additional charges of criminal sexual conduct after more victims discovered, police say (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/former_barry_county_youth_home.html)

Published: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 9:54 AM   ·  Updated: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 2:45 PM
By Rosemary Parker | Kalamazoo Gazette

(http://http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/9948965-small.jpg)
Michael Terpening

HASTINGS — The former director of a Barry County youth home is now facing two additional charges of criminal sexual conduct and a judge has increased his bond.

Michael Terpening, 32, of Bellevue, now faces 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Terpening was arraigned on the new charges — two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct — Monday in Barry District Court after police discovered two additional victims, according to a news release from Michigan State Police.

Circuit Judge Amy McDowell increased Terpening's bond to $300,000, the release said.

Terpening is scheduled to be back in court Sept. 12 for for a hearing on evidence against him in the case.

Terpening was arraigned in Barry County District Court last week on nine counts of criminal sexual conduct (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/barry_county_youth_home_direct.html), all involving former residents of Earth Services Youth Home, the facility under his direction.

Terpening was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of aggravated indecent exposure and one count of assault to commit sexual penetration.

Christina Fecher, communications representative for the Michigan Department of Human Services, said the Department's Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing is in the process of revoking the license for the facility, also known as the House Next Door.

The facility was licensed for boys only, ages 10 years – 17 years, many of the whom were wards of the court under DHS supervision, she said.

All children were removed from this facility once the allegations came under investigation, she said.

Terpening was the licensee designee of the corporation, Earth Services Inc., for this facility, which was originally issued a license in February 2009 for a capacity of 15 children.


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Comments: "Former Barry County youth home director arraigned
Post by: Ursus on January 20, 2012, 09:49:17 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/former_barry_county_youth_home.html) left for the above article, "Former Barry County youth home director arraigned on two additional charges of criminal sexual conduct after more victims discovered, police say (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411934#p411914)" (by Rosemary Parker; August 30, 2011; Kalamazoo Gazette / Michigan Live LLC):


Litterateur · August 30, 2011 at 11:25AM

Strictly speaking, this facility is in Barry County -- by about 1/2 mile. Describing it as a "Barry County youth home" isn't all that accurate.

Its mailing address is Bellevue, in Eaton County.

It's no more than 10 miles from downtown Battle Creek, even less from the city limits. If you asked neighbors across the street where they live, they'd probably say "just outside of Battle Creek."

Odds are the victims are Battle Creek residents, too. The city's population, after all, is just a shade less than Barry County in its entirety.

The only connection with the county that really matters is the courts with jurisdiction happen to be in Hastings, some 20 miles away.

Rosemary Parker | Kalamazoo Gazette · August 31, 2011 at 5:51AM

How would you identify it in the headline if not by its actual location?

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F. Nordic Borbswell · August 30, 2011 at 11:58AM

In by an inch, in by a mile. But hey, clearly in matters of sexual penetration of children it's important to you to quibble over geography.

Litterateur · August 30, 2011 at 1:26PM

Clearly you have no clue what you're talking about. I quibbled about the accuracy of the headline, that's all.

Put your keen and penetrating mind to the task of re-reading my first post and point out where I said anything about the actual allegations.

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dicenslice · August 30, 2011 at 12:33PM

now we the taxpayers are going to have to pay for this idiot to be in jail, what a sicko, gov snyder please bring the death penalty to michigan !!

LudicrousSpeed · August 30, 2011 at 2:33PM

Wait, why has no one proclaimed his innocence yet?!? I mean, c'mon, OBVIOUSLY all of the so-called "victims" are going to benefit monetarily by his conviction..... oh, wait.

It's about time he got caught. He's been a slippery "used car salesman" for far too long. This isn't the first time he's been accused of inappropriate behavior, but it better be the last!

LudicrousSpeed · September 01, 2011 at 9:44AM

Judge McDowell recently had an immediate family member of Mr. Terpening as a client..... does that present a conflict of interest?

© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Former EARTH Services director charged with 11 criminal...
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 12:28:58 PM

Another article posted on Michigan Live re. the two additional charges:

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Michigan Live LLC
Former EARTH Services director charged with 11 criminal sexual conduct charges, police believe more charges may be pending (http://http://www.mlive.com/wayland/index.ssf/2011/08/former_earth_services_director_1.html)

Published: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 12:50 PM  ·   Updated: Thursday, September 01, 2011, 11:17 AM
By Herb Woerpel

(http://http://media.mlive.com/wayland/photo/9931923-large.jpg)
MICHAEL AARON TERPENING · Photo supplied

Michael Terpening, of Bellevue, was arraigned in Barry District Court Monday, Aug. 29 on two additional 4th degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

The two charges are in addition to nine other counts he was previously charged with (http://http://www.mlive.com/wayland/index.ssf/2011/08/former_earth_services_director.html), upping the total to 11 charges.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Department in Hastings believe more charges may be coming as they investigate tips regarding additional victims.

Judge Amy McDowell increased Terpening's bond to $300,000. He is due again in court 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 12th.


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Comments: "Former EARTH Services director charged with 11...
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 12:36:37 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/wayland/index.ssf/2011/08/former_earth_services_director_1.html) left for the above article, "Former EARTH Services director charged with 11 criminal sexual conduct charges, police believe more charges may be pending (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411952#p411952)"  (by Herb Woerpel; August 30, 2011/September 01, 2011; Michigan Live LLC):


LudicrousSpeed · September 01, 2011 at 9:17AM

I wonder if Judge Amy McDowell is aware that she very recently had his sister as a client through her law firm.

LudicrousSpeed · September 01, 2011 at 9:19AM

Wouldn't that be a very serious conflict of interest?!?

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© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Animal Rescue CEO Faces More Sex Charges
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 12:44:06 PM

WXMI-TV · FOX 17
Animal Rescue CEO Faces More Sex Charges (http://http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-charitable-barry-county-animal-rescue-ceo-faces-criminal-sex-charges-20110824,0,4670405.story)

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 (http://http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-criminal-sex-charges-for-animal-rescue-ceo-20110824,0,6596089.tivideo)


Copyright © 2012, WXMI-TV

Title: Former director of home for teens facing more charges
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 02:07:28 PM

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 (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/newschannel-1395302-director-teens.html)

August 30, 2011 6:00 PM

(http://http://images.onset.freedom.com/wwmt/medium/lqrh2q-lqrh2dterpening.jpg)
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.

(http://http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d17/unsecured/media/980547731/980547731_1136265952001_th-1136265662001.jpg?pubId=980547731)
Video: Former Director of Home for Teens Faces New Charges (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/newschannel-1395302-director-teens.html)

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 (http://http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/fhs/brs/reports/CI080299508_SIR_2011C0105043.pdf) (pdf file).


Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

Title: Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens against...
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 03:03:22 PM

Michigan Live LLC
Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens against Barry County youth home director detailed in state investigative report (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/document_sexual_allegations_by.html)

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

(http://http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/9948965-small.jpg)
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 (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/former_barry_county_youth_home.html) 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 (http://http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/other/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.

Title: Comments: "Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens..."
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 04:13:45 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/document_sexual_allegations_by.html) left for the above article, "Document: Sexual allegations by staff, teens against Barry County youth home director detailed in state investigative report (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=411963#p411963)" (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.

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© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: MI DHS's investigative report - June 20, 2011
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 05:36:26 PM

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 (http://http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/other/CI080299508_SIR_2011C0105043.pdf)
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 (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

Title: Supporters rally around Terpening
Post by: Ursus on January 21, 2012, 05:43:43 PM

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 (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/Supporters-rally-around-Terpening)

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

WOOD-TV8
Supporters rally around Terpening (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/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

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/08/24/michael_terpening_082411_20110824204215_320_240.JPG)
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 (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvYZ_2kTcI) -- 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.

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 21, 2012, 05:52:42 PM

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.

Title: Comments: "Supporters rally around Terpening"
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 01:28:12 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/Supporters-rally-around-Terpening) left for the above article, "Supporters rally around Terpening (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412001#p411970)" (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 (http://http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Michael-Terpening/274225582632623)[/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 (http://http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Michael-Terpening/274225582632623)[/list][/list]
Bethany Christian Bethany · Top Commenter · January 6 at 2:19pm

FB

Justice for Michael Terpening (http://http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Michael-Terpening/274225582632623).[/list]


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

Title: Supporters rally behind former youth home director accused..
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 01:37:02 PM

More on those "rallying supporters"...

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

WWMT - Newschannel 3
Supporters rally behind former youth home director accused of sexual assault (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/supporters-1395517-home-family.html)

September 06, 2011 8:37 AM

(http://http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d17/unsecured/media/980547731/980547731_1145796392001_th-1145796024001.jpg?pubId=980547731)
Video: Support For Former Youth Home Director (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/supporters-1395517-home-family.html)

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

Title: Michael Terpening - on Youtube, Facebook, and Change.org
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 01:43:51 PM

Quote from: "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.

Well, the "support group" is apparently quite zealous in this case... From that first "rallying supporter" article, "Supporters rally around Terpening (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412001#p411970)," 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 (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvYZ_2kTcI) -- 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 (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvYZ_2kTcI) [formerly known as "CPS Gone Wild (Save the Terpenings)"]

The Facebook campaign: Justice for Michael Terpening (http://http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Michael-Terpening/274225582632623)

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 (http://http://www.change.org/petitions/return-michael-terpening-to-his-family)

-> VIDEO: Save the Terpenings (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvYZ_2kTcI&feature=player_embedded)

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!

Title: sample petition letter for "Return Michael Terpening to his.
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 10:27:28 PM

Here's a sample petition letter included on that Change.org petition page, Return Michael Terpening to his Family (http://http://www.change.org/petitions/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]

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 22, 2012, 11:17:17 PM

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!

Title: Accused molester denied more kid time
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 11:25:46 PM

From the second "rallying supporters" article (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412019#p412003) 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 (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/accused-molester-denied-more-kid-time)

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

WOOD-TV8
Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/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

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/09/06/michael-terpening-090611_20110906173835_320_240.JPG)
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.

Title: Comments: "Accused molester denied more kid time" 1
Post by: Ursus on January 22, 2012, 11:56:55 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/accused-molester-denied-more-kid-time) left for the above article, "Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412025#p412019)" (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 (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.

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

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 23, 2012, 12:33:20 AM

Petition creator: Susan Lynn Gillihan

Her website:

http://miparentalrights.ning.com/profile/SusanGillihan (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 (http://miparentalrights.ning.com/events/gathering-for-micheal-terpening)

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 23, 2012, 12:55:45 AM

Quote from: "wdtony"

Petition creator: Susan Lynn Gillihan

Her website:

http://miparentalrights.ning.com/profile/SusanGillihan (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 (http://miparentalrights.ning.com/events/gathering-for-micheal-terpening)

It's ironic that this woman is fighting for parent's rights and we are fighting for children's rights.

Title: Comments: "Accused molester denied more kid time" 2
Post by: Ursus on January 23, 2012, 09:05:23 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/accused-molester-denied-more-kid-time) left for the above article, "Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&start=15#p412019)" (by Ken Kolker, 06 Sep 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 21-40:


Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 5:21pm

VERY WELL PUT GUEST CHECKS!!!

Pete Moss · GED · September 6, 2011 at 5:28pm

the first article about this described an alledged sexual text message that the guy sent to a male coworker about fifty dollars for a sex act and other coworkers claim to have seen this text message; I don't necessarily find anything "fishy" about the courts attempting to terminate his parental rights, there must be some reason behind that, and keep in mind that, if there is suspicion that something has taken place in the home, its not going to be released to the public so that minors aren't identified

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 6:03pm

Obviously everyone is overlooking the fact that this man INNOCENT until proven guilty. And for the state to petition to have his parental rights terminated before he's even convicted? THAT is a HUGE problem! CPS and the state has already convicted him - no matter what happens in court! Do any of you NOT see where this could be a cause for concern?! I can see restricting his parenting time and not unsupervised time because of the nature of the case. I have no issues with that. I take issues with the state trying to terminated his parental rights when it has been said stated repeatedly that none of these charges involve his own children!

I really hope NONE of you ever have the nightmare of being railroaded by CPS - all because they have the power and they can.

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 6:23pm

Denise they involve somebodys kids which puts his kids at risk. They have more than the press has put out to the public,the state DOES NOT TERMINATE OR EVEN PUT IT OUT THERE UNLESS THEY HAVE SOMETHING ON THIS GUY. COME ON PEOPLE WAKE UP!

Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 6:25pm

"@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."

@Sue Weaver: here's how I know you're full of sh1t...the article above states the accusers are all in their LATE TEENS, not ages 5 and 8, so nice try there *lol* Quit pretending to be this phony insider with some secret knowledge about the case that the rest of us don't have - you're just an ordinary armchair critic like the rest of us :p

Red Thenews · Top Commenter · Grocery Cart Wrangler at Ralphs Market · September 6, 2011 at 6:26pm

To be honest, I would not be surprised if this man is found innocent. I just got a feeling the allegations are lies.

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 6:27pm

Kate, I understand they are someone else's kids, but to TERMINATE his parental rights BEFORE this has even gone to trial - where he could be found INNOCENT! Seriously?!

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 6:29pm

And Kate - the state terminates parental rights ALL THE TIME! They also removed children from homes on 'suspicions' of what 'might' happen and yet other children DIE because they REFUSE to act or even do their job and show up at the homes! Sorry if I just automatically believe everything they say.

Pete Moss · GED · September 6, 2011 at 6:31pm

none of the charges involve his children (that is, at this time); maybe his own children are still being evaluated; maybe there is reason to believe that one or more of his own children have been abused, which we (the public, the media) would not have access to that information in order to protect the privacy of the child or children involved; when protective services does their job, people are complaining, and when they let cases slide, people complain; I guess I'd rather see this case done a "better safe than sorry" scale; my guess is that, these accusers didn't meet at the local McDonalds and plan this all up, my guess is that DHS saw some correlation in the accusers' testimony that made the allegations believable; also, the childrens' own attorney was against this guy getting more parenting time; I have to give DHS the benefit of the doubt on this one

Pete Moss · GED · September 6, 2011 at 7:08pm

not as easy to terminate a parent's rights as some may think
(3) The court may terminate a parent's parental rights to a child if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, 1 or more of the following:
(b) The child or a sibling of the child has suffered physical injury or physical or sexual abuse under 1 or more of the following circumstances:
(i) The parent's act caused the physical injury or physical or sexual abuse and the court finds that there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will suffer from injury or abuse in the foreseeable future if placed in the parent's home.
(ii) The parent who had the opportunity to prevent the physical injury or physical or sexual abuse failed to do so and the court finds that there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will suffer injury or abuse in the foreseeable future if placed in the parent's home.
(iii) A nonparent adult's act caused the physical injury or physical or sexual abuse and the court finds that there is a reasonable likelihood that the child will suffer from injury or abuse by the nonparent adult in the foreseeable future if placed in the parent's home.
again, what have his own children possibly been through that cannot be disclosed to the public in order to protect his children?

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 7:29pm

Pete, they aren't trying to terminate the mother's rights. And according to all of the articles I have read, NONE of the charges involve ANY of his children. They have NOTHING to go to terminate his rights. Like I said, until the trial is concluded and the verdict is read, I COMPLETELY agree with supervised visitation only for him and NOT in the family home. But termination before this has even gone to trial? Really?

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 7:33pm

Denise they did not terminate his rights!! if they did he would not have been given supervised visits at the dhs...mean while there are 11 counts..they did not come up with 11 counts by just pulling a number out of a hat. I am sure they had to interview and interview and interview more and more..cps does not like to take children away from parents or keep them away. They give every chance they can to try to keep the parents with the kids they give parents chance after chance. this story only was just now made public im sure this has been going on way longer then just now. also, I agree the better safe then sorry..someone has to look out for the children other then that does he really need to be home where the media can camp out on his lawn and watch everymove that his children do? I am sorry but you want to play that he is not guilty till trial..while everyone is saying that they are also saying other people kids, or young adults are liers..they also are being judged at the same time this man is. They were all removed from a place they thought they could call home also. They were placed in this mans care to be protected, something happen for the state to feel like this man did not do his job or they would not have shut this house down. there are two sides to this story and you cant say one is guilty with out saying the other one is not..both sides should be heard and taken into consideration meanwhile the best thing for his kids is to remove him untill this can get figured out. no matter what way you look at this SOMEONE'S CHILDREN are going to be hurt or have been hurt already..and no matter what way you look at this people lifes have and will continue to be affected!!

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 7:35pm

and Denise, children die sometimes because they do not speak up and no one knows what happens behind them doors..these children spoke up and they are being looked down at because they spoke up

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 7:41pm

Denise what exactly is your point? I know the process ive been through removal of a preditor to protect my other children they didnt keep me from my kids ever so denise there is something eLse going on and the courts know more than the public does obviously. Wake up

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 7:45pm

who says this is going to have a trial?? not all cases go to trial.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 7:57pm

I am not sure I would call WOOD's reporting accurate. It is entirely weird to try and terminate one parent's rights while leaving the other parent's rights in tact. The last quote says, ""He's exploiting his children, as is his wife, by allowing their pictures to be put on YouTube videos and broadcast to the world."

As someone whose made plenty of reports over the years one thing people do not realize is one aspect of abuse is, "abuse by act of omission" or the failure to protect. A neglect petition starts a process, it is going to court to ask the court to take jurisdiction. It is highly unusual to start that process by asking for termination of rights, it is far more unusual to target one parent if the other is actively assisting the other contrary to the interests of the children. Either way the termination hearing would be about 6 months down the road.

Having said that keep in mind child abuse is both a civil issue and separately a criminal issue. These are literally two independent investigations. The allegations he abused these boys are resolved where CPS (DHS) is concerned.

The other piece of this is we have to keep in mind this is not a new situation. This investigation could have been going on for months before the criminal charges were filed. There are lots of people involved and these kids have been vetted over and over.

It is extremely early in this process and most times you are going to see a guilty plea. Whatever the case, it is time to make sure all kids are protected out of an abundance of caution. There are no winners, there are and will be, only losers. His kids are going to be hurt no matter what happens. If he did what he is accused of, his arrest is still pretty recent and he is going to need some time to process how serious this situation is.

If he is guilty he's had great power over people's lives. Great power to satisfy his urges with the cloak of authority of law right under the noses of MANY people he would have come into contact with who, in theory, should be able recognize the evil consequences of his actions in the behavior of the kids. He made it work, he got away with it and he kept getting away with it...

Now the system that was clueless for God only knows how long has caught on. If he is guilty he thought he got away with it and now the very people he played for fools are reaching into his life and shredding it. Does this alleged monster, who used human beings for his disgusting proclivities, even know how to put his kids first?

If he is guilty, I think we will see a point where reality strikes and he pleads out so he can avoid having to listen to young people recount what he did, how he did it, when he did it, and the very intimate details of his most disgusting secrets.

For my part, a decent man does not allow his lawyer to start out blaming the kids. That is just flailing around trying to warn the victims what is coming if they testify.

Steve Ring · September 6, 2011 at 8:01pm

From what I've read, very few of you know little if any about this type of crime. The reason I do, is because it happened to a very close friend of mine. In cases like this one, where a person is accused of a sex crime against a child, no matter what the person is always considered guilty. From that point it's up to him to prove that he's not, not matter what he has to go through. In my Buddies case, his ex-wife accused him of "Touching" his grandson, which there is no way that could have ever happened. But because the child could speak on his own, he was too young to talk, the court took the ex's word for it and now my buddies in prison for the rest of his life. The year before this happened she wanted him to do something for her, but he was going on vacation with his new wife instead, and I remember her telling him "You'll be sorry". I'm sure he is now. These kids don't need proof, this guy needs proof he didn't do it, pure and simple.

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 8:09pm

I am awake Kate... And go back and READ the article attached to all these comments. It directly states that NONE of the 11 counts he's charged with involve his children. In this same article it states the State has filed a neglect petition to terminate his parental rights. And Wood isn't the only place I get my news from.

By all of your responses, he has already been found guilty in the court of the public. For this man's sake, I hope that happens. After all, between the media, the courts, his accusers and people like all of you, his life is now forfeit.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 8:11pm

I am willing to bet that this man will plea out to try to get a lesser charge

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 8:17pm

by all your responses you have found him not guilty!! You think its ok that he put his children through more stress then what they are already dealing with.. no one said that he did this to his kids..but if he did do it to others what makes it ok for him to be around any kids..what gives him more rights then all the kids in this story..why should he be found not guilty.. and everyone else is a liar

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

Title: Comments: "Accused molester denied more kid time" 3
Post by: Ursus on January 23, 2012, 09:10:48 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/accused-molester-denied-more-kid-time) left for the above article, "Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&start=15#p412019)" (by Ken Kolker, 06 Sep 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 41-60:


Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 8:23pm

Denise you are not awake if you watch the news and get the facts he still has rights for supervised visits why idk i would never let someone around my kidswith 11 counts of csc around My kids but since the kids were later teens in age they are all liars and he is innocent according to you and do you know that they are not still investigating his children i dont know this.so really you are talking off the top of your head and dont know shit about what your talking about.

Denise Hall · September 6, 2011 at 8:38pm

Yes he still has supervised visits and if you would have bothered to read what I have now typed at least twice, I agree with that. What I am having a problem with is why the state is petitioning to terminate his parental rights on accusations. This hasn't even gone to trial yet, but the state is gung-ho to damage the kids further than this whole situation already is. What happens if the termination goes through and he's found innocent? What happens to his children then? Despite what people think, he is innocent until PROVEN guilty. But since you are simply unwilling to see anything that I have asked or question - on top of deciding to cuss and be insulting, this conversation with you is over.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 8:53pm

Denise let's look at some of what you say, "And go back and READ the article attached to all these comments. It directly states that NONE of the 11 counts he's charged with involve his children."

First of all we know sex offenders RARELY have one victim. The man is innocent until proven guilty, but that does not mean society takes a roll of the dice with his children and the court ignores what is absolute reality about people who commit crimes of this nature.

Your argument would seem to suggest as long as ones own kids have not spoken up, society is to take a chance.

No thanks.

Second, as I've said before I tend to think the reporting is misleading. The state almost NEVER asks for termination of rights so soon. It is most likely just a neglect case. Anyway terminating rights does require a full blown trial. It does not just happen.

Third, WOOD has not told us what the neglect is. This is also missing. While I am sure it has some relation to the case, it is also likely there is something else in this matter the court will have to take a look at.

What bothers people about your comments is you come off as quite willing to take a chance with the safety and well being of his children. As the responses should tell you, this is offensive to society. We do not want to take a chance with someone's life. The issues are very serious and already life changing for all involved. Right now separation ensures the safety of his kids and that is about the best we can do for these kids.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 8:57pm

you are not even taken into consideration that he might be guilty then what?? and again i have seen two cases that did not make it public that they did not even make it to trial. Not all cases go to trial. The state is just petitioned it takes 6mths to a year if not more for that to go through. no matter what these kids did not just call the cops and say hey charge this man will 11 counts because we said so..My ex brother in law said he did not do it either but he took a plea..so does that make in not guilty cause he did not get a trail?? we will just have to seet happens but I am sorry Denise you are not being open minded or fair..you must be some how a family member if not maybe you should get this guy some help he needs you seem to know the ins and outs of what is right and wrong for eveyone involved..there is a process that has to be done. no matter if you or I or kate agrees if you dont like it..call your state rep. im sure cps has other things they could focus on and they are not just making this to make a whole familys life hell..they are not monsters

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 6, 2011 at 9:03pm

sorry for the mistakes..this is just stupid that no one cares about the children all of them..at this point if i was the mom to these kids I would do everything to protect them from seeing the tv or news and other people i would not post pictures so people can see them and know who they are and bother them...its all about protecting the children right now till this can be figured out no matter if he did it or not..they still need to be protected

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 6, 2011 at 9:22pm

I think you get it pretty right, Amy. This is one of those awful crisis in a marriage, a parent has to choose between a spouse or the children. It is fine to support the husband, but now she has the lawyers questioning how she is using the kid's images online to help the father. The last thing this mother needs is CPS coming at her for failing to protect the kids; and God help her if she does not follow the court order.

And where in the hell is their lawyer on this petition crap and going public? Sure, go to the hearings, but getting their mugs on TV? Do they really think that is going to sway a potential jury in conservative Barry County? More likely it irks anyone who sees it because that is not how we do it in America when someone is accused of a crime. It smacks of manipulation.

Not to mention the dumb comment from the lawyer about these kids being felons and delinquents. He should be saving it for the trial. He may think he gets a benefit in intimidating these kids from testifying, and while the prosecution is surely preparing them for the worst, they've got this clown on video and the prosecution can show them exactly what to expect and how to handle it.

This is a bad situation all the way around, and no matter how it ends it ends bad for everyone. The mother better do what the Court says and let the process work its way.

Mary Rolfe · Top Commenter · September 6, 2011 at 10:15pm

I just have a couple of things to say; first is State of Michigan, you need to do a better job of screening someone who claims to run a home for abused, neglected or special needs children............or any children for that matter. What was his training and background that made him qualified to run a home for children with these issues? Is he licensed? It is the taxpayer after alll who is paying him.

Second, I can understand the need to be sure all his visits with his children are only of the supervised kind. The court needs to be sure this man is not trying to manipulate his own kids or suggest or coerce certain answers from them when they testify in court. And, just because his children have mada complaints of him molesting them, it does not mean he hasn't. Those children need to be safe too.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 3:06am

Mary, I wish people like you would get a clue. Juts what should the State of Michigan do? Do you think these people are easy to find? A little extra training and it will all be okay?

Becky Swartzenegger · Top Commenter · September 7, 2011 at 4:03am

Amy, you know what people mean by having the right to a fair trial. Not every case goes to trial because the suspects take plea deals, guilty or not because they are much better than what could result from a trial. That is up to them! Not the court! If they didnt want to take the plea, they didnt have to! They were given their rights! This man has not been given his rights. He is guilty until proven innocent.

Pete Moss · GED · September 7, 2011 at 4:36am

Denise, you don't know that DHS has nothing to go on to terminate his rights because those details would NOT be made available to the public because it would involve identifying the children; and the mother better be careful in putting out youtube videos on the matter before she finds herself in the same boat

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 5:26am

Becky we can see you are pro-child molester. Now please stop it. The man has his rights and the state of Michigan is going to protect children from him until this case is over, as it should.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 7, 2011 at 6:50am

Yes Becky I know what it means..I also know what it will mean for this family. because to get to a guilty or not guilty they have to go through ever last gross and nasty detail of what happen or what the kids said this man did to him. Do you really think he will be cleared of all 11 counts..thats a pretty big number?? I really dont think the dhs and cps said lets pick on this family. I think they have a job to do and they have to protect his kids. I dont think they pulled the number 11 out of a hat and say yup that will do!! also this man does have rights, I never said he did not, but the kids that say he hurt them, they also have rights to..and this mans children should not be used as pawns to show how loving and sweet he is or to prove is innocence either..they should be protected from this..no matter if this man is guilty or not..THANK YOU GUEST CHECKS!! VERY WELL SAID!!

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 7:28am

Amy you are exactly right. Serious charges have been brought, and we have to keep in mind the Child Abuse Investigation is already done and decided. While those are not criminal charges he is in the Child Abuse Registry and the Family Court now takes up what happens next, separately from the criminal charges. He will get his due process.

However, the state cannot simply ignore these allegations and refuse to take steps to protect any child who may come into contact with this man while he is out on bail. This is awful for everyone involved, but protecting the kids comes first.

Mike Solstice · Top Commenter · C.E.O. at Fedora Prime LLC · September 7, 2011 at 10:25am

My name is Mike Solstice, I am the producer of the YouTube video in question. Prior to this case being brought to my attention over Facebook, I did not know Michael or any of the Terpenings. The pictures used in the video were downloaded from various albums publicly available on Facebook. No one asked me to make this video, nor was it made on anyone else's behalf, just my own - to express my own outrage at what is happening here & to help fight for a better system. Ignorant news stories like this one just fuel my fire; there's this little thing called "FACT CHECKING" - it's obviously something the Michigan Media, as well as your joke of a Human Services Department could learn a little something about.

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 10:42am

Denise for your benefit i will type slowly and clearly i am here to tell you from personal experiance the state would NEVER EVER EVER PETITION TO TERMINATE WITHOUT CONCRETE EVIDENCE YOU ARE BEING IGNORANT ABOUT THESE KIDS THEY NEED TO PROTECTED JUST LIKE. AMY AND GUEST CHECK STATED you on the other hand would like them to be pitched into the ring of fire you know nothing about the laws of termination if you did you would know termination does not give the public information on minors did you know when the foster kids and the kids in the house next doors rights were terminated no they were minors

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 10:49am

SO denise when you learn your facts and really figure out who should be protected definately not the kids in your eyes) then have at it but do the research and look up some laws check the centerAl registery for neglect and abuse cases otherwise just keep it buttoned and feed your bs To somebody who wants to read your load of dodo. GET A CLUE DENISE

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 10:51am

WELL PUT GUEST CHECK SUSAN YOU REALLY HAVE NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT THE STATE SPENDS ON THESE KIDS TANF IS USED AS A LAST RESORT

Jamie Moore · September 7, 2011 at 1:46pm

The Terpenings are my family...I also worked with these people making the accusations..I also reside in barry county these allegations are LIES one has recanted and before anyone spouts offthat the state police say he recanted his recantation..this person hasn't spoken to state police since he recanted..know the facts Susan and Mike Solstice do know the facts..the children of Michael and Amanda are NOT NUMBERS THEY ARE NOT A BONUS for dhs's pocket this is a LOVING FAMILY.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 7, 2011 at 2:30pm

Jamie, I've worked with many people in placements for kids just like this. I worked in a large placement and was shocked the first time a co-worker was accused.

Part of the problem is you are not being honest. You cannot know the truth. A sex offender would not invite you to witness his behaviors.

DHS does not want this and you lose ALL credibility when you rely on the conspiracy nonsense. DHS would be far happier having a safe place for these kids than having to remove the kids and arrest this man.

It is almost beyond belief that 5 kids would just make up these allegations. If you worked with these kids you would know the agony of sexual abuse. You would know how hard it is for young people, especially boys, to come forward. You would know there are far more people involved than the state police, and you would know enough to know you cannot possibly know what went on behind closed doors.

Frankly, my hunch is you are getting duped by this defendant and his manipulation. By law, by the Constitution for that matter, he cam compel the appearance of witnesses. If the family was smart they would keep their yaps closed about so called recanting of stories. What could be better for Mr. Terpening than a witness appearing in Court telling everyone it did not happen? It would make for reasonable doubt on those charges and bring into question the other charges.

However, his loud mouth lawyer stuck his face out to the camera and made stupid comments about the history of these kids. Smart move, ace. Got on TV and send the message you are going to tear these kids down. If there was an actual recanting I sure would want to be that kid's best friend if I were Mr. Terpening's lawyer.

To me what I've seen from the family is a desire to sabotage the process of resolving these allegations through the courts. DUMB MOVE.

Still we will wait and see.

Pete Moss · GED · September 7, 2011 at 3:01pm

while the Terpening family may have seemed "loving" "normal" and all of that, its important to remember that child molesters don't wear signs and also remember how we've been told that "it could be the guy next door;" remember the shock of learning how many Catholic priests had sexually abused young boys?
if Mrs. Terpening didn't post the youtube video of their children, and, had no knowledge of it, what action has she taken against the person who posted it?
I think some of you think that his parental rights have been requested to be terminated based on these allegations, which isn't the case; there has been an investigation people, and there are likely alot of details of that investigation that have been sealed under court order and not available to the public; there isn't just one allegation from some troubled kid with a history of lying, there are FOUR allegations with a possible FIFTH, all by males, and males generally don't want that "label" of having been molested, so the fact that five males have made this same claim, well, that says alot
and what is 32 year old doing with EIGHT KIDS?

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

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: Ursus on January 23, 2012, 11:55:37 PM

Quote from: "wdtony"

It's ironic that [Susan Lynn Gillihan] is fighting for parent's rights and we are fighting for children's rights.

Personally, I think one of the primary goals of programs is to behaviorally modify citizens to be more in line and sympathy with both corporate and government interests. This is not necessarily in the best interests of said citizens.

On the face of it, both parents' rights organizations and children's rights organizations are advocating on the part of citizens (as opposed to big binnis and big gov). However, and certainly historically, parents' rights organizations have often been co-opted by the pro-program agenda.

That said, many children's rights organizations have also been thus co-opted.

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 24, 2012, 12:30:25 AM

Quote from: "Ursus"

Quote from: "wdtony"

It's ironic that [Susan Lynn Gillihan] is fighting for parent's rights and we are fighting for children's rights.

Personally, I think one of the primary goals of programs is to behaviorally modify citizens to be more in line and sympathy with both corporate and government interests. This is not necessarily in the best interests of said citizens.

On the face of it, both parents' rights organizations and children's rights organizations are advocating on the part of citizens (as opposed to big binnis and big gov). However, and certainly historically, parents' rights organizations have often been co-opted by the pro-program agenda.

That said, many children's rights organizations have also been thus co-opted.

The explosion of prescribing psychiatric medications for disorders that were actually normal human experiences. I remember when depression became the new way out for people right before the 1990. Everyone, including myself, felt a huge sense of relief. This is because now doctors and pharmaceutical companies were telling us that it wasn't our fault.

I mean, wow.... just take a pill and it's not my fault. That was huge. And every parent jumped on the bandwagon. Who wanted to be responsible for themselves anyway? Then the kids were diagnosed with mental disorders and even more relief came over the masses of people who felt behind the 8 ball.

Fast forward to today, these drugs are on every channel, every day. I saw 2 commercials today where drugs were advertised as a second drug to aid children if the first drug wasn't working. Now we are speedballing kids?

How is this the government's fault? Well, it is big business that drives this crazy train down the tracks, but if it weren't for the money pumped into Washington, regulations might tighten up to protect citizens. The government gets another benefit from all of this...more controllable population dependent upon one more thing: drugs. Ironic that a drug is only bad if no profit is had. Pills making great money are "allowed". My friend Tim would call this an, "Allowed Cloud". The profits are almost unimaginable.

I think this is a bigger issue though. The issue of how so many people can be fooled based on peer beliefs and propaganda.

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: N.O.S.O.B. on January 24, 2012, 09:31:01 AM

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 01:15:34 PM

Quote from: "wdtony"

I think this is a bigger issue though. The issue of how so many people can be fooled based on peer beliefs and propaganda.

Propaganda can be a very important tool for social control in democratic societies...

Title: Comments: "Accused molester denied more kid time" 4
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 01:55:10 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/accused-molester-denied-more-kid-time) left for the above article, "Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&start=15#p412019)" (by Ken Kolker, 06 Sep 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 61-78:


Pete Moss · GED · September 7, 2011 at 6:52pm

thank you Susan, you answered a big question, being that 5 of the 8 children were adopted, I'm sure that DHS finds that to put them at a higher risk for harm since they're not his biological children; how do you know that the boy you've referenced wasn't coerced into writing the judge a letter stating that he had lied?
the state & prosecutors CANNOT say whatever they want to the media; you have made yourself look like a fool for even making that claim
so because Mr. Terpening worked various hours/shifts/was the "director," etc, that means that there can be no truth to the allegations? molesters aren't cut from one mold Susan
what is the family doing about the person who made the youtube video? wouldn't the average, decent parent be extremely upset about a youtube video of their children being put out there for the world to see without their consent?
a website written by an attorney doesn't make it true; IF DHS workers were paid a "bonus" when they remove children from a home, wouldn't there be more attempts to so?
Susan, are you really comparing a picture someone has on their facebook page to the video of the Terpening children being used under the circumstances it has been? and you're comparing nose picking to child molestation? REALLY?
REMEMBER: the world was shocked when the allegations against priests came out, child molesters don't wear signs stating that they're child molesters, they can appear to have normal, loving homes
great job by DHS for taking the stand to protect children

Pete Moss · GED · September 7, 2011 at 7:23pm

Susan, since you are so eager to be helpful in providing the public with information about this case, could you please comment on the text that was alledged to have been sent by Mr. Terpening to a male coworker in which Mr. Terpening offered that male fifty dollars for some type of sexual favor? (the text that other employees claim to have seen); was that false too? did other employees lie also?
with the handul of supporters Mr. Terpening seems to have, its almost appears like he is worshiped like some sort of cult leader

Pete Moss · GED · September 7, 2011 at 11:03pm

Susan, I'm wondering why you have ignored my question to you, could you please comment on the text that was alledged to have been sent by Mr. Terpening to a male coworker in which Mr. Terpening offered that male fifty dollars for some type of sexual favor? (the text that other employees claim to have seen); was that false too? did other employees lie also?
being that 5 of the 8 children were adopted, I'm sure that DHS finds that to put them at a higher risk for harm since they're not his biological children; how do you know that the boy you've referenced wasn't coerced into writing the judge a letter stating that he had lied?
to become a foster parent, one needs only three reference letters, about the amount of people Mr. Terpening has supporting him, so I would guess that Susan was a reference; how foolish and deceived those people must feel, as though its easier for them to remain in denial than admit they have been manipulated by Mr. Terpening

Pete Moss · GED · September 8, 2011 at 4:36am

its quite obvious that DHS did a thorough investigation; the investigation started in May and charges were not sought until just recent weeks

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 8, 2011 at 5:47am

first this man was under an investigation way before the meda got a hold of this story. The media has done a great job trying to protect the children when they do show the video they smear out the childrens faces on tv, which im glad someone is thinking, because now everyone that has the internet can put them young faces with names and oh how sad is that, now these kids have to hear your who, your dad did what and all the other name calling and mean things people say and do...including the children these kids go to school with.
other then the "dad" should be the one everyone blames in this matter, he did not get a call and say hey lets pick on this guy, its been comming for a while im sure he knew what was going to happen all along, but as far as the family and supporters they have made this case harder on the kids...no matter what spin you put on this..no matter what...it is this mans children who is going to have to deal with this the rest of their lives...the supporters seem more worried about protecting this man, who is an adult, and not his children..if the man was the " great dad" they supporters say, he would be worried about protecting them first..thats what parents do.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 8, 2011 at 5:58am

Guests Checks, and Pete, she will understand when he dont walk away from this, untill then none of them will get it they just dont want to believe that someone they know could act this way or be this way, no one wants to believe that a family member or loved one would act like that.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 8, 2011 at 8:59am

Here is the second part!

One of the workers, the manager of the home got reprimanded. She was being paid for 40 hours of work, yet working rarely more than 20.

Within the home there is a certain ‘chain of command’ that is to be followed. If there are complaints there is a ’board of directors’ that is to be notified first and foremost, to determine how to deal with things. This was not followed.

Keep in mind the history of the boys/young men, abused, mentally, physically, sexually and lastly institutionalized. One of the boys wanted to leave, he had punched another resident in the face and since this was his 3rd assault charge he was facing jail time, he also had gotten a girl friend near his grandmas home. He is just a few months shy of being 18. His grandma was not considered a fit person for him to live with. Knowing what he did about the ’system’ he and another boy (who also knew the system) concocted a story. They went to the manager with this story and rather than follow the chain of command, she in her anger at being reprimanded called the police.

The boy had accused the man of sexually abusing him. The man was not arrested on this charge. The boy was immediately placed within his Grandmothers home, which is where he wanted to go. The other boy (who helped him with his story) was upset, he wanted to leave too. He then made his accusation, saying that it wasn’t the other boy who was sexually abused, it was him. He was removed from the home, placed in yet another institution. The first boy got in trouble at his Grandmas and was placed in yet another institution.

The home has the records of the history of all of these boys that is why they have a chain of command, rather than just calling the police. Both boys have a history of making accusations such as these. It can be found within their records. One would think that this would be discovered and that would be the end of it. There is absolutely not one shred of evidence that such a thing happened. The stories of both boys keep changing, neither one of them are able to tell the same story twice.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 8, 2011 at 12:02pm

More depth on this story from the local newspaper. Interesting read, to say the least.

http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-den ... 934-87.htm (http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-denied-extra-athome-parental-p2934-87.htm)[/list]
Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 8, 2011 at 4:39pm

Guest Checks - you need to let it go lady. Last time I checked, this comments section is supposed to be related to the actual news story, not your vendetta against a fellow commenter. One might even say your obsession is bordering on psychosis?

Pete Moss · GED · September 8, 2011 at 5:48pm

"family" members are probably the only support the guy has, whether they are biological family members or or his "followers"

Kate Stevens Chandler · Kalamazoo, Michigan · September 8, 2011 at 6:38pm

The media got ahold of it and susan knows this so why is she so upset at guest checks for stating the facts its the internet public knowledge smh susan.

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 9, 2011 at 5:50am

I read the banner report!! they said one of reasons why they want the dad to come home is because having 8 kids is to hard on the mom!!! where are alll these supporters who should be helping this mom with the kids..and why would a mom ever take on kids any kids if they are to much for her!

Pete Moss · GED · September 9, 2011 at 6:19am

what did Mrs. Terpening do when her husband was at the homes? maybe she can have her own tv reality show, Mrs Terpening plus 8

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 9, 2011 at 8:23am

And Amy hits a serious question hard and right.

I think what the lawyer points and and Amy refines in her comment is an average person, especially a mom, has to step back and wonder what in the world is going on in the mind of Mrs. Terpening. I can absolutely understand wanting to back her husband, but reality right now is she has been and will be a single mom for a fair amount of time already, with more time coming. She can support her husband, but right now what is going on in her home is far more important.

Yet one can really wonder if the kids are being put first.

It is interesting because Susan Ward Gillihan responds to a person on the blog by saying, "Several of his supporters have been interviewed and are now being accused of following him like some sort of cult!"

What is stunning is these people are entirely focused on the Defendant. Clearly his interests come long before the interests of preserving the family. This is hard to understand.

She went on to say, "It's a shame, if he had no supporters then he would be condemned for that, those that do support him are suffering accusations. It's one of those 'cant win for losing' situations. We are just doing our best to help him stay strong in this adversity. We believe that he is a good man, that he did nothing wrong and with the help of God will be vindicated."

Regardless of adversity, their kids should be put first. This seems to be missing in the crusade of his supporters.

Justine Newport · Waitress at Hooters · September 9, 2011 at 2:55pm

I think this might be directed at you Guest Checks -

http://www.redgage.com/c-mjghcd (http://www.redgage.com/c-mjghcd)[/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 9, 2011 at 3:50pm

LOL, it is me, she even got my picture! ROFL, I love it!

I have to love Susie Q Ward Gillihan. There is nothing I can write that better tells the story of those who support Mr. Terpening than to read these wild posts.

Don't forget to read her comments on the, "witch hunt", too.

http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusie ... eForwarder (http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusieg/dealing-with-trolls-and-other-nasty-walks-of-life.html#rf:/blogs/sweetsusieg/do-modern-day-witch-hunts-still-exist.html:innercontainer:pager.pageForwarder)

This situation is terribly sad in the sense that when you look at the character of the people around Mr. Terpening, these are not people trying to rationally support him, it is all just personal attacks.

They do this man no favors. You would think after the article in the Hastings Banner they would back off and let this go through the courts without all the nonsense.[/list]
Pete Moss · GED · September 13, 2011 at 7:30pm

agree Guest Checks; a supporter who refers to abused children as "abused animals," another supporter (likely close to seventy years old) who puts her fingers in her ears and sticks her tongue out at a witness IN A COURT HALLWAY, these things, coming from his "supporters," only brings his very own character further into question

Stacy Anderson Hislop · Inside Account Manager at BR Wholesale · October 12, 2011 at 9:30am

Wow! I'm reading all of the comments and this all blows my mind. What ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? I am a close friend of Mike's, I have worked with him on many projects for the animal rescue and the boys home. I am not a "follower" I am a friend and it bothers me greatly that he is being attacked in this way. Of course I do not believe any of what he is being accused of but it's not because I cant fathom that someone I know is capable of something this heinous. It's because, at my age I have instincts and know, through those instincts that this is simply not possible. If anyone here knew this couple, the sacrifices they have made for their children and the children of others, less capable of parenting their kids, you would not be able to say the incredibly ridiculous things that have been said here. I offer this in closing; this is not an episode of Law and Order, these are real people. There are real lives being destroyed here. If that doesnt encourage you to think and feel any compassion then I leave you with this---what happens when your husband, brother, father, or son are accused of something like this?

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

Title: Man accused of sexual assaults fights to see his children...
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 03:05:17 PM

And, from another news source...

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

WWMT - Newschannel 3
Man accused of sexual assaults fights to see his children at home (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/sexual-1395543-hastings-home.html)

September 06, 2011 6:05 PM

(http://http://images.onset.freedom.com/wwmt/medium/lr4fw0-lr4fv8terpening.jpg)
Michael Terpening

HASTINGS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A man accused of sexual assaults against teens is now fighting to return home to see his kids.

Attorneys for Michael Terpening and his wife Amanda have asked the court to reconsider visitation rules.

The judge ruled that Terpening won't get to visit his eight children at the family's home, instead he can only see them during supervised visits through DHS.

On Tuesday, attorneys assigned to look out for the interest of the children argued that the Terpenings are exploiting their own kids.

Terpening's attorney says there are no allegations that his client did anything against his own children and calls into question the credibility of those teens who've told police they were assaulted.

"Allegations are all made from either convicted felons or convicted delinquents," said Terpening's attorney Tom Schaeffer, "17, 18, 19 year old kids who have been in the system for some time."

However an attorney assigned to look out for the best interests of the Terpening kids says he resents the implication that the alleged victims' backgrounds means their word is no good. He says Terpening shouldn't get to visit his own eight children at home.

The attorney pointed to recent online efforts to prove Terpening's innocence as evidence that Terpening doesn't have the children's best interest in mind.

"He's exploiting his children by allowing them to be put on YouTube and broadcasting them to the world," said attorney James Kinney, "allowing petitions on the internet by people that clearly don't have the facts."

(http://http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d17/unsecured/media/980547731/980547731_1146351897001_th-1146336644001.jpg?pubId=980547731)
Video: Accused of Sexual Assault, Fighting to See His Kids (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/sexual-1395543-hastings-home.html)


Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

Title: Report: Former Barry youth home director argues he should...
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 03:37:06 PM

And, from yet another news source...

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

Michigan Live LLC
Report: Former Barry youth home director argues he should be able to see his own children (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/report_former_barry_youth_home.html)

Published: Wednesday, September 07, 2011, 8:52 AM  ·   Updated: Wednesday, September 07, 2011, 10:43 AM
By Rosemary Parker | Kalamazoo Gazette

HASTINGS — Former youth home director Michael Terpening (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/08/former_barry_county_youth_home.html), charged with 11 counts of criminal sexual conduct after teens in the home told police he had had inappropriate contact with them, was in court recently asking to be able to visit his own home and children, according to a report from Newschannel 3 (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/sexual-1395543-hastings-home.html).

Video: Accused of Sexual Assault, Fighting to See His Kids (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/sexual-1395543-hastings-home.html)

The station reported that attorneys for Terpening and his wife, Amanda, asked the court to reconsider visitation rules.

An attorney assigned to advocate for the children argued against relaxing visitation.

He said a YouTube video of family photos, which calls for viewers to sign a petition supporting Terpening, is exploitative and not in the children's best interest. Entitled "CPS Gone Wild ( Save the Terpenings) (http://http://youtu.be/6QvYZ_2kTcI)," the video had 582 views as 8:30 a.m. today

The judge refused the Terpenings' visitation request, and ruled he can only see the couple's eight children during supervised visits.


© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Comments: "Report: Former Barry youth home director argues..
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 03:47:56 PM

Comments (http://http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/09/report_former_barry_youth_home.html) left for the above article, "Report: Former Barry youth home director argues he should be able to see his own children (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412073#p412073)" (by Rosemary Parker; September 07, 2011; Kalamazoo Gazette / Michigan Live LLC):


LudicrousSpeed · September 07, 2011 at 9:07AM

It is amazing to me that after being publicly chastised for the existence of the Youtube video and online petition that the video is still up..... The family was at least smart enough to remove the Facebook group. What is it going to take to at least get these people to stop wailing about his innocence? Are they going to require evidence in the form of video of the crimes?

Do they not realize that they are themselves creating the media storm? I wouldn't have known of the custody hearing yesterday unless the supporters hadn't announced their "rally".

It truly makes me sick that a man whose life was dedicated to taking care of troubled youth and animals in need rushes to blame those same youth FIRST. And his supporters do the same..... Im my opinion not a one of those volunteers deserve to be anywhere near troubled youth ever again.

horsefly773 · September 07, 2011 at 9:20AM

To all of Mike Terpening’s family and supporters I say shame on you! You are trying to discredit a group of young boys who may have had bad lives and made their fair share of mistakes, but who really have everything to lose by making these kinds of allegations. In their circle of tough guys these boys face a life of harassment and hazing for admitting to be involved in this sort of activity.

You should take a minute to analyze everything you know and choose to ignore. For starters, the animal division of EARTH is a complete fraud, and all of you know this. Dogs, cats and horses being bread and their offspring being pawned off like the people paying for them were saving the world. Animals bought at auction or in bulk from breeders at a discount only to be peddled as rescues.

Not so long ago Mr. Terpening was involved in another case just like this one that just happened to fizzle when it hit the court room but the similarities are uncanny. Mr. Terpening has also been investigated for insurance fraud.

Take a minute to ask farmers from the surrounding area how they feel about doing business with Mike Terpening. You want to call a group of children liars but are defending seemingly the best liar because it has taken this long for his little game to catch up with him. I’m not sure if you all understand what is going on here. Your boat is sinking quickly and it would not be a wise choice to support your captain at this point because HE ran you on the rocks.

© 2012 Michigan Live LLC.

Title: Terpening denied extra, at-home parental
Post by: Ursus on January 24, 2012, 03:55:18 PM

With regard to two comments (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412075#p412068) from the large collection left for an earlier article, "Accused molester denied more kid time (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&start=15#p412019)," namely:

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 8, 2011 at 12:02pm

More depth on this story from the local newspaper. Interesting read, to say the least.

http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-den ... 934-87.htm (http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-denied-extra-athome-parental-p2934-87.htm)[/list][/list][/size]

Amy Partanen · Works at Childcare Provider · September 9, 2011 at 5:50am

I read the banner report!! they said one of reasons why they want the dad to come home is because having 8 kids is to hard on the mom!!! where are alll these supporters who should be helping this mom with the kids..and why would a mom ever take on kids any kids if they are to much for her!

[/list][/size]
Well... here's that in-depth article from the Hastings Banner...

Fwiw, it's extremely difficult to find a date on most of the material from the Banner, but I'd venture that the below article was published sometime between the 6th and 9th of September 2011.

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

Hastings Banner
Terpening denied extra, at-home parental (http://http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-denied-extra-athome-parental-p2934-87.htm)

Michael Terpening, accused of 11 sex crimes with teenage boys under his authority, stood before Judge William Doherty in Barry County Probate Court Tuesday afternoon to ask for additional parental time at home with his eight children. Charges brought against 32-year-old Terpening do not currently involve his children. He and his wife, Amanda, were each at the defendant’s table, represented by their respective attorneys.

Terpening is the former director of EARTH Services youth home near Bellevue, a residence for troubled teen boys. His defense attorney, Thomas Schaeffer, told Doherty the accusations of sexual molestation came from “felons and delinquents,” insinuating their statements were not reliable or reputable.

The prosecution stated there was no change in circumstances, so there was no merit to change visitation rights ordered previously. In fact, prosecution said the defendants have been less than cooperative with visitation authorities and have exploited their children by allowing a YouTube video, with their photographs, to “go viral.”

After hearing arguments from five attorneys, Judge Doherty determined the parental visitation will remain as previously ordered.

When presenting his argument for Michael Terpening, Schaeffer said, “The parameters under which the contact exists at the present time are terrible from the standpoint of having any meaningful visitation or parenting time with the eight children. There are so many children, it is a burden on Mrs. Terpening, I would submit, to not only have that sort of parenting time existing and not in the home. There is no particular reason why this parenting time cannot take place in the home, with the children and the parents. If the court feels there needs to be a supervisory person, a person can be designated to be present during that time. It seems like that would be a reasonable solution to the matter, especially in light of the allegations under which the jurisdiction was taken here.

“All the allegations in this particular matter against Mr. Terpening have nothing to do with minor children. There are no allegations. In fact, at the preliminary examination, it was confirmed by the various social workers there was no allegation that there was any improper treatment of his children.

“The allegations were all made from either convicted felons or convicted delinquents, all of the ages 17, 18 or 19, and in the system for some period of time. Those are the people who have made the allegations. This is not going to be an easy road or a short road to bring out the pertinent facts in that regard. But, the facts at the moments are. .. they have a variety of motivations as to what they are testifying to.

“The facts are my client and his wife have eight children that he is prohibited from seeing for any reasonable parenting time. In all due respect, your honor, it does not make sense, even in spite of what you will hear, and that is to protect the children. There is no indication the children are in any danger, have been or will be in any danger. If the court feels there is that concern, then I would respectfully suggest a third party adult, whether it is a relative or friend, who can be there during parenting time to monitor and make sure there is nothing inappropriate going on.

“That is the basis for my motion your honor, and I respectfully ask you to give liberal contact and parenting time to Mr. Terpening, in the home, with the children, and if the court feels necessary, an adult supervisor to be present.”

Amanda Terpening’s attorney, Keri Selleck, addressed the court by saying, “Mrs. Terpening has not given any indication there is a need to protect the children. She has done everything that has been asked of her up to this point ... She has the children in her possession while she has this cloud hanging over her head that if she doesn’t do everything she is supposed to do, the children could be removed. She will follow whatever guidelines the court sets out to make sure her children are protected, which she has done since this case began. I don’t think anyone can argue with the fact that she is protecting the children, whether she believes the allegations or not. She continues to make the protection of the children a priority.

“She can provide names of third parties who would be more than happy to supervise visitation within the home, and follow any guidelines the court may set.”

The Terpening children’s attorney James Kinney told Judge Doherty, “I oppose any increase in parenting time at this point. Although the allegations and petition do not involve Mr. Terpening’s own children, the court is well aware of [a 1973 legal precedent] ‘How a person treats one child, is how he may treat another child.’ That same concept is still used in opinions stated on July 19 and July 21 of this year, and the Supreme Court also used it last year. It says it applies to even how he treats another’s child, not just his own child. We have very serious allegations here.

“We have Mr. Terpening orchestrating a public display of alleged innocence. He is exploiting his children, as is his wife, by allowing their pictures to be put on YouTube videos and broadcast to the world. By allowing petitions on the Internet that are clearly, although well-meaning by those that put it up, clearly do not have all the facts.

“We have four people currently who have accused Mr. Terpening of sexually molesting them. This started all the way back in 2003, when he was accused by another person. These four individuals don’t necessarily have any common interest, and I resent the accusation, because they are supposedly convicted felons or juvenile adjunctees, that their word is no good. That they can’t be victims too.

“What I see [from the reports] is a man who is grooming these children and grooming those around him. I want to read something I got on the grooming process of a child sexual predator. ‘Just as we groom ourselves before going out, to make us look presentable, predators often groom themselves as wonderful, caring people. They may involve themselves in your family’s life, do great things in the community. This is a trick. This is their game. This is their way of being open about being sneaky, and gaining more access to your child. They often set themselves up to be high profile in the community, and they spend a lot of energy in assuring their innocence.’

“That’s exactly what we have going on here. I do not believe Amanda Terpening can protect these children against Mr. Terpening. In fact, when I read one of the reports of a visit allowed at a park, Mr. Terpening took his young son to the bathroom. Under normal conditions, no one would care about that. So, they went over to the bathroom and [according to the report] who’s watching with an eagle eye? Amanda Terpening. I am concerned that she knows something is going on. I am concerned that she is still under his influence.

“If she really believed in taking care of the best interest of her children, she would have accepted the prosecutor’s offer. The offer was quite simple and in writing. ‘Tell the truth about what is going on. Make a statement. Be prepared to back it up with a polygraph [test]. If you do so, we will dismiss you from this petition.’ She had an opportunity to get out of this petition, and she chose not to, to support her husband in spite of increasing evidence of his wrong-doing.

“Furthermore, I do not believe the parenting time is inadequate. It does meet the state standards. If anything, Mr. Terpening has somewhat abused that parenting time by trying to insist on other individuals being in that parenting time, other than he and his children. I do not believe he should have any more parenting time, other than what is already scheduled, supervised by the agents.”

Several of the Terpening’s children are foster children, some of whom are part of the Potawatomi Tribe. The attorney representing the tribe and its members, Nancy Bogren, said, “First of all, your honor, I expected in support of the motion [for more time] we would have some testimonial evidence. Is that forthcoming? Because what I was expecting was that we would hear about some change in circumstance that would be brought to the court’s attention and would make looking at the circumstances appropriate because something came forward from the children’s therapists or something of that nature. But, we don’t have that.

“Basically, Dad wants more time with his kids. We do understand that. This is not a case where the prosecutor’s office, on behalf of a petitioner, is seeking to reunify these children with their father. They are seeking to terminate his parental rights. That makes this case entirely different. It doesn’t apply when there is a termination petition which accompanies the original neglect petition. This court can simply deny parenting time to the father. That is not the request at this point, although, I think the record would support it.

“Despite the assurances we receive from the mother that she would do anything, cooperate in any way, that is not, in fact, the case. If we have to develop that through the case worker, then I suggest we do. [Amanda Terpening] is not willing to do anything. She is not willing to do everything. She doesn’t even really communicate with the case worker. We have no way of knowing how the children are doing. It doesn’t give us an overwhelming confidence that she is the appropriate person to be supervising visits in the home. Nor does this recent media blitz, whereby there is a YouTube video, an online petition, the children’s pictures all over the Internet attached to the family name, attached to the allegations in this case. Who among that group is an appropriate person to supervise visits in the home? [Michael Terpening’s] supporters are on camera saying this is a witch hunt. The YouTube video is called ‘CPS [Child Protective Services] Gone Wild.’ Those are the folks who are appropriate to supervise in the home and report if something inappropriate goes on? I don’t think so. The only person appropriate to supervise these visits is employed by the department of human services, and the reason the restrictions were put in place is because everyone has grave concerns about these children’s safety.”

Assistant Prosecutor David Banister briefly asked the court to leave the current supervision and visiting parameters in place without any amendment.

Doherty responded to the defendants and the attorneys.

“I have listened to the arguments of counsel. I, at this point, quite certainly do not know the truth or falsity of the allegations made against Mr. and Mrs. Terpening. Juries will make that determination in this case and the criminal case. However, there has been some preliminary determination by Referee [Vicky] Alspaugh of probable cause; probable cause that this did happen. Therefore, it is perfectly appropriate to have restrictions on visitation. In fact, it was something I considered suspending — parenting time, altogether. However, I was not the one to listen to the testimony. Referee Alspaugh found no reason not to allow the limited visitation at the department of human services. There has been no formal request to have this court suspend the parenting time.

“I will point out I do think parenting time is important, but these allegations are very, very serious. I, myself, as a young person had a father who went to Korea while he was in the Army. For an entire year, we did not see my father, and we all survived. These children will survive, as well. Hopefully, we will have some resolution or additional information after the criminal case is processed. The motion [for additional time] is denied.”

The Terpenings will go before Judge Doherty once again on Nov. 22 for a pre-trial.


© Copyright  Hastings Banner.

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 24, 2012, 06:04:22 PM

Quote from: "N.O.S.O.B."

bend the mind to fit the maze...

people are miserable with the world and rather than social justice there is psychopharmacological control...

I just wonder when they will start medicating the water...other than flouride I mean...

probably once the fracking solvents evaporate and the earth's water cycle is undrinkable....and Haliburton owns the water purification market...that's about when all drinking water will be medicated....

I have some friends that work for the water district. I have seen the bags of chemicals (including fluoride) they pour into the wells near the river. There is a lab at each of the redistribution centers and holding tanks for post treated water. After it is stored there for a time, it is retested for chemical content and bacterial percentages, etc. Then it is sent out to water towers. Also, there are other dry chemicals added to water and then removed before being sent to redistribution centers.

I suppose it could be possible for the government to add something to the water at any point but it would have to be done secretly or have an excuse as another reason to add it. The lab simply does not routinely test for drugs in the water so it could get past the lab, to my knowledge. According to some reports, trace amounts of antidepressants are already showing up in our water supply due to the fact that we do not filter drugs, herbicides, pesticides, etc. from the water. That is another reason i do not like the extreme overprescribing of these drugs....people excrete them, flush them, you name it, and it gets back into our water supply.

At this time, in theory, the government could actually just dump a large quantity of a drug near the river inlet (pre-treatment) and we would be none the wiser. That could get the drug into our supply without anyone knowing it. One other way would be to mix a drug with a chemical such as chlorine or fluoride and we wouldn't know either. So, I guess it is very possible to do.

As for fluoride, I see no reason it should be in drinking water since we can get enough fluoride for tooth health through our toothpaste. But there are probably more dangerous chemicals in our drinking water than that like pesticides, etc.

Title: Hearing for former youth home director held behind closed do
Post by: Ursus on January 28, 2012, 06:23:36 PM

Moving right along...

The next flurry of news coverage comes in the wake of Michael Terpening's preliminary hearing with regard to the sexual assault charges. Given the nature of the charges, and the riled up nature of local sentiment, the judge opts to close the hearing to both the public and the press:

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

WWMT - Newschannel 3
Hearing for former youth home director held behind closed doors (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/home-1395702-terpening-court.html)

September 12, 2011 8:41 AM

(http://http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d17/unsecured/media/980547731/980547731_1155782554001_th-1155771743001.jpg?pubId=980547731)
Video: Preliminary Hearing Closed To Public (http://http://www.wwmt.com/articles/home-1395702-terpening-court.html)

A former youth home director facing sexual assault charges is in court today to see if he'll stand trial.

[/size]
HASTINGS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A former youth home director who is facing sexual assault charges was in court today to see if he'll stand trial.

Michael Terpening ran a group home near Bellevue called Earth Services as well as the House Next Door program in Barry County.

Investigators say he targeted at least four teens in his care and now faces 11 criminal charges.

Last week a judge ruled that Terpening can not see his eight children except on supervised visits.

Today a judge closed the preliminary hearing to the public. There were some tense moments in court. Both the public and media were kicked out.

The prosecution filed a motion to keep the hearing behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the case.

Terpening's lawyer agreed to the motion and the judge ruled that the preliminary hearing would be held in private.

Many supporters showed up for Terpening and were very upset about being kicked out. They spent the morning sitting outside the courtroom doors, waiting for the hearing to be over.

We will let you know when we find out what happened during the hearing.


Copyright © 2012 Freedom Communications

Title: Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults
Post by: Ursus on January 28, 2012, 06:48:58 PM

Apparently, in the wake of this hearing, the number of sexual assault charges have, once again, also gone up. Now... they are twelve in number.

Two clips of news footage accessible via the below title link:

Video: PUBLIC BANNED FROM MOLESTATION HEARING (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011#)

Michael Terpening is accused of assaulting four of his young male clients at the youth home he directed.

[/size]Video: TERPENING PRELIMINARY HEARING (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011#)

A judge banned the public from a preliminary hearing on Monday for a former youth home director charged with sexually assaulting four clients.

[/size][/list]
-------------- • -------------- • --------------

WOOD-TV8
Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011)

Judge cleared court during prelim hearing Monday

Updated: Tuesday, 25 Oct 2011, 1:32 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 9:50 AM EDT
By Ken Kolker

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/09/12/terpening-hallway-091211_20110912134456_320_240.JPG)
Spectators stand in the hall at the Barry County courthouse after the judge cleared everyone from the Michael Terpening preliminary hearing. (Sept. 12, 2011)

(http://http://media2.woodtv.com//photo/2011/09/06/michael-terpening-090611_20110906173835_320_240.JPG)
Michael Terpening at a custody hearing for his children (Sept. 6, 2011)

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - When Michael Terpening walked in to a preliminary hearing on Monday, he was faced with 11 counts of sexual assault. Before he walked out, he was bound to stand trial for 12 assaults.

News of the 12th assault came after the judge cleared the courtroom on Monday.

Terpening, 32, was in court to face a preliminary hearing on charges involving males in their mid- to late teens while he was operating Earth Services and The House Next Door -- Barry County programs for troubled teens. He allegedly assaulted four of his young male clients.

The courtroom behind Terpening, who is currently free on bond, was packed with supporters just before Monday's hearing who insist that the four alleged victims are lying.

"Anybody would love to have Mike for a son. Absolutely love Mike," said Liz Smith, Terpening's great aunt.

One supporter, who says she spoke to the suspect last night, says she braced herself for the allegations.

"He said what they have charged is really ugly. He said it's going to be embarrasing," said Linda Timmons, a friend of Terpening. "The people who are persecuting him are people who are of poor character," she added.

Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans says he believes Terpening's supporters had another purpose -- intimidation.

"The presence of the people here; It's certainly a case of might beats right, okay. We'll bring in our three out-of-town attorneys, we'll bring in all our buddies, and we'll just run right over these kids, and we'll run right over this little prosecutor's office," said Evans. "There may be turnip trucks here, but I didn't just fall off of one."

Then, Judge Michael Schippers closed the courtroom to the public, agreeing with prosecutors and the defense that the testimony was too embarrasing for the victims.

"This is insulting; this is downright insulting," said Smith of the public's ejection from the courtroom.

The prosecutor told 24 Hour News 8 that police have placed one victim into protective custody. He was among those expected to testify on Monday.

A former worker at Terpening's home, Jamie Moore-Bell, says she has had contact with that victim:

"He fully admitted that these were lies, that this did not happen, and he wanted to make this right," said Moore-Bell. "The state police were saying that that's coercion; I coerced him into making these statements."

The father of one of the victims, who says his son was assaulted by Terpening, spoke with 24 Hour News 8. The father of the victim was angry that the courtroom was closed. When asked by 24 Hour News 8 if he wanted to be present in the court to protect his son, he agreed enthusiastically:

"You're damn straight. Nobody else could protect my son when they were up here," said the father.

The father of the victim says he drove his 16-year-old son from Indiana to the courthouse on Monday at the prosecutor's request.

"I don't know if he's in the courtroom right now or not. As far as I know, he's in there talking to the prosescutor. They're not going to talk to my son that way," he said.

He says police recently approached him about Terpening. That's when his son said the man had touched him about four or five years ago.

"Touched him in some wrongful places," he said.

The father of the victim says his son was about 12 years old at the time.

Supporters of Terpening insist that witnesses are lying. But prosecutors say some of the victims were at the home at different times.

"Some of them have never met before," said Evans.

The father of the victim says his son isn't making it up: "I want justice for the other children."

Terpening is married and has eight children. None of the alleged victims are Terpening's children, but he was ordered not to spend time alone with his children (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/Supporters-rally-around-Terpening) last week.


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

Title: Re: Earth Services / The House Next Door
Post by: wdtony on January 28, 2012, 06:50:53 PM

I guess the judge wasn't happy with all of the hoopla.

Title: Comments: "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults" 1
Post by: Ursus on January 28, 2012, 09:28:30 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011) left for the above article, "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412205#p412205)" (by Ken Kolker, 12 Sep/25 Oct 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 1-20:


Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 7:28am

what will ol' Susanna do now that she has been kicked out of the court room?

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 7:50am

LOL, well she has commented on her own little blog about this case. Interesting to say the least.

     

http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusie ... eForwarder (http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusieg/dealing-with-trolls-and-other-nasty-walks-of-life.html#rf:/blogs/sweetsusieg/do-modern-day-witch-hunts-still-exist.html:innercontainer:pager.pageForwarder)

She also comments about me and has a great picture of me. I am not sure how she got it...LOL

http://www.redgage.com/c-mjghcd (http://www.redgage.com/c-mjghcd)

I am not a fan of closing court rooms, but for the sake of the preliminary hearing, this seems fair. These young people have to testify and the judge has to decide if the case goes to the Circuit Court; and we've seen here on WOOD just how far one of his, "supporters" will go when challenged.[/list]
Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 8:08am

I am for closing court rooms to the public for the purpose of protecting the identity of victims in cases such as this one
may I ask you Guest Checks, is that Revlon concealer that you use?

Mike Boerman · Top Commenter · Langston, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 8:39am

Guest Checks - you really need to let it go lady, why are you so obsessed with your fellow comment posters? What, just because someone dared disagree with you, now you'll bring it up ad nauseum for the next 6 months? Just because someone defended their OWN defense of a friend (which you would do too if the situation was reversed, no?) means that you have the beat the subject into the ground until everyone's sick of hearing about it? Please try to keep your comments here related to the NEWS STORY itself, not your own petty vendettas against people who disagree with you, mmmmkay?

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 8:50am

I would have to say that its Susan who has beat this subject into the ground with her constant blogs; with these boys' history, Mr. Terpening should have used a little more caution and not had situations where he was alone with the boys, and still, the investigation must have found some sort of common ground with the boys' accusations, whether it was a place he took them to, a phrase he used, or something, where they found the accusations to be true

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 9:12am

Pete you noticed! I only use Revlon! LOL

I've worked with victims of sexual assault and I generally think it is better to put victims on the stand. I even think it is better to force them on the stand. Usually what we see is this empowers the, "victims" and begins a process of removing the victim stigma.

Sadly, it will also result in fewer repeat offenses. Too often prosecutors make deals that give too little time to people who are incredibly dangerous.

Facebook User, let's just say Susan is a family member of Mr. Terpening who came here and really did attack people who disagreed with her. She was stunningly abusive in her behavior. Then after she was shown up for what she is, she deleted all her comments.

I think it is very relevant to this case because we really get a look at the character of a man who led a community grou...See More

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 9:41am

I'm not against victims being on the stand, I just don't believe it needs to be done in front of the general public, since one has to give their name, etc and we can see from Susan's actions how that could harm a victim.
I wonder how Susan feels about all the other youth pastors, teachers, etc in the news in recent weeks who have been accused of molesting children, are all of those cases witch hunts too?

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 9:47am

in regards to Susan's claim that Mr. Terpening's family members aren't allowed to have him at their residence, that isn't surprising, because some of them may be potential witnesses and its pretty standard procedure for a defendant to be ordered to not have contact with any potential witnesses

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 10:07am

was this a witch hunt too:

http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/ke ... st-26-2011 (http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/tedd-butler-august-26-2011)

let me guess, the one victim, now in his thirtys decided after all these years to make this up?[/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 10:34am

Actually in Court victims are always identified. The media does not report their names. I think your point about Susan and her ilk does rightly point out a value in this hearing to close it. This hearing is limited to deciding whether or not there is enough to take the case to the Circuit Court for trial. Susan and her friends have already attacked the young people reporting these crimes. Sadly they will come under attack at trial, so it is wise to protect them now.

Not sure that is so good at trial, I do think the public needs to know exactly what happened here. It think, while surely traumatic, these young men win when they stand up for justice.

The numbers we learned in trainings always stunned me. 1 in 5 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused by the age of 18. 80% of the kids in court custody have been sexually abused....See More

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 10:54am

yes, victims are identified, but it is not uncommon for this type of case, along with rape cases, to be closed to the public, and have the case file "sealed" from being able to be viewed by the public, especially when the case involves a minor
it appears that Mrs. Terpening is under her husband's "spell," thats what I gathered from reading the Hastings Banner news report (they gave alot more information than WOOD); what the heck was she thinking when suggesting that a "family member" or "friend" be a supervisory person for at home visits when it was a "friend" who suposedly put the youtube video out there and a "friend" or "family member" who has publicly accused the DHS of being on a witch hunt?
I hope my next comment isn't taken the wrong way, but what better victim for a predator to choose than one with a history of "lying"

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 10:58am

A judge banned the public from a preliminary hearing on Monday for a former youth home director charged with sexually assaulting four clients.
Then in the afternoon, the judge placed one of the witnesses in the case into protective custody because of pressure he's been receiving.
I wonder who has been "pressuring" one of the witnesses; again, it sounds like friends/relatives of the Terpening's aren't really helping him

Kate Juneau · Fayetteville Technical CC · September 12, 2011 at 11:48am

Don't you just LOVE how no matter how many victims are coming forward, they all MUST be lying? For crying out loud, what has to happen for people to see that this man is as dirty as they come? These supporters of his make me sick.

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 12:02pm

don't you understand Kate, the four boys got together one day and, of all the workers at the homes that Mr. Terpening ran, they chose him to plot this accusation against; they haven't quite conviced the fifth boy to join them yet, but they're working on it; and, they probably bribed the DHS some how into believing them and bringing the charges

Suzanne Gillihan · Works at Proud Stay At Home Mommy · September 12, 2011 at 12:34pm

Guest Checks,

Susan did not come on here to attack you or anybody else that does not support Michael Terpening. It does however bother her that you and other people do not know all of the facts of this case and pretend that you do. And for her deleting all of her comments, that's because you were turning this whole thing around. This is supposed to be about Michael, it's not so you can come on here and attack her for her writings. Yes, she wrote many things on another site, yes one of them was about a witch hunt, but does that mean that it was about Michael? No, it does not. This is supposed to be a page about Michael, like I stated before, not somewhere for you to copy and paste her writings and post them on here. Obviously you have forgotten what this page is for.

And for the one's who don't have all the facts, maybe you should get them before you start posting stuff that you obviously know nothing about!

Sarah Blanton · Wright Beauty Academy · September 12, 2011 at 1:58pm

I used to be in one of his programs in Battle Creek about 8 years ago, along with a few other friends. We're all baffled by this, he was always so nice and even helped us shy kids to come out of our shell. He did another program kind of like Big Brother with my little brother as well, and my brother always looked forward to it. It was a one on one thing where he came and picked him up every week and he never tried anything with him either. I'm not saying the boys are lying, I'm just trying to point out that those of us who ACTUALLY knew him aren't delusional.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 2:37pm

Sarah, predators tend to go after very specific groups and keep in mind people are not wholly evil. He can be very good with some people and not so good with others.

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 2:48pm

LOL. those of you who claim to ACTUALLY know him, ACTUALLY appear to not know him at all. of course he alwasys seemed so nice, do people ACTUALLY think a child molester gains the trust of people by being mean? do you think they wear signs that say, "hi, I'm a child molester"?
maybe your "brother" just isn't willing to admit to things yet Sarah
Mr. Terpening, in today's day and age, should have known better than to put himself in a situation of being alone with any of these boys with their troubled pasts, thats really a no-brainer, and surely, with all of the family and friends he seems to have supporting him, it shouldn't have been that difficult to find someone to "supervise" his time with these kids
you want "facts" Suzanne?
FACT: allegations surfaced in May but charges not brought until three months later, so this is obviousl...See More

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 2:54pm

Suzanne, I cannot speak to why Susan came to the website. However she did attack.

I have never said I know any facts. Most of my comments center around the people around Mr. Terpening.

I have mentioned concerns about his wife and Susan. With his wife my concerns center around comments a lawyer made in court. With Susan her puzzling behavior here and on her blog raised concerns for me about the people around Mr. Terpening.

In the case of Mrs. Terpening, keep in mind he has been found responsible for child sexual abuse. This would not change if he was found not guilty of the criminal charges. Sadly, the mother has some tough choices and DHS is looking for her to make those choices. Susan re-framed this as the divorce Mr. Terpening or else demand from the prosecutor. He is a child abuser, he is in the Child Abuse Registry and ...See More

Sarah Blanton · Wright Beauty Academy · September 12, 2011 at 4:47pm

Like I said, I was just trying to show where those of us who knew him were coming from. Some of you act like we're a bunch of idiots, while I never even said he never did it. My brother tells me everything, including a past sexual abuse. So why keep this one from me? A lot of the people I know from the group were also boys that were baffled. I know child molesters have to be nice to catch their pray, that doesn't mean I'm not allowed to be shocked. I also understand that he isn't going to molest every boy he gets in his grips, b/c as I've said we're not idiots; just making a point.

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

Title: Comments: "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults" 2
Post by: Ursus on January 28, 2012, 10:48:05 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011) left for the above article, "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412205#p412205)" (by Ken Kolker, 12 Sep/25 Oct 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 21-40:


Holly Throop · Kellogg Community College · September 12, 2011 at 5:06pm

I don't know anyone involved with these charges. I am basing my opinion on what I see. I am glad the Judge cleared the court room, on these type of charges I feel only the people involved should hear what needs to be said. The police have to investigate the abuse charges. Child molesters don't tell people as they are ashamed of what they have done. What kind of world would it be if we just ignored a child because of the circumstances. Sad to think a child had to be put in protective custody. Unfortunately nobody wins.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 5:09pm

I would not go as far as Pete has gone in his response to you. I am not ready to find the man guilty, at all.

For the public to put this together, I think we really need to look deeper. Sarah, you have some great information and it should be shared. Let's pull in all the information we can so this can be fully understood.

Some of what has bothered me are these people supporting Mr.Terpening. Did your brother know these people? What was their involvement with the programs? In particular the Gillihan's? Do you know his wife? How do you or your brother feel about what was written in the Hastings Banner about her appearing not stepping up for the 8 kids?

Susan put posts on this forum, before she deleted them that seem to suggest she had case specific information about the kids placed in Mr. Terpening's care. Do you or your brother have an opinion about these people who may have had legally confidential information about your brother or you?

I'd like to hear more on what you observed.

     

http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-den ... 934-87.htm (http://hastingsbanner.com/terpening-denied-extra-athome-parental-p2934-87.htm)

      http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusie ... eForwarder (http://www.redgage.com/blogs/sweetsusieg/dealing-with-trolls-and-other-nasty-walks-of-life.html#rf:/blogs/sweetsusieg/do-modern-day-witch-hunts-still-exist.html:innercontainer:pager.pageForwarder)

I am puzzled by the character of those around this man. What do you think?[/list]
Amanda Alfred · September 12, 2011 at 6:24pm

What in gods name is wrong with that court house that the victims have to walk in through the hallway?!?! Listening to that nasty lady say "liar" to the poor kid and stick her tongue out - you all ought to be absolutely ashamed of your behavior!!!!!

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 7:06pm

Amanda gets it right. It really comes back to the concerns I've raised all along. Who is this guy? This is a man who is a leader of child welfare in the community? I know people in the field and this group of people around Mr. Terpening is beyond stunning.

I mean, are you kidding me? These people admit on camera they've been in contact with the victims?

Then one has to wonder what in the world is going on with his lawyer? Hasn't he told his client to shut these people up? Did I actually see one of these people on TV admitting to being in contact with one of the victims?

There is no way the acting out we've seen on this forum, the acting out in public, the youtube postings, the witch hunt blog can possibly help the man's defense.

But still when you look at the character of these people, do you really think a man who is a lea...See More

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 7:20pm

Sarah, I'm sure the shock part is what has Mr. Terpening the supporters that he has
Amanda, that goes with what Guest Checks has been saying, this is the type of people supporting Mr. Terpening, and when they act that way, it makes these allegations look even further believable; the great aunt sticking her tongue out and such, she has to be around seventy years of age; if I was that judge, I would have anyone who acts in that manner arrested for intimidating a witness
yes Guest Checks, this guy wanted that type of people around him because they're obviously too stupid to have figured anything out
I too couldn't believe that someone contacted one of the victims, and the way these people act, of course it looks like the victim was coerced into saying that he was lying; that person wasn't an investigator on the case
I have no doubt that the guy will get a fair trial, nor do I have any doubt that he'll be found guilty

Tammy Hansen · Handy-woman, at this time at Carpentry · September 12, 2011 at 7:31pm

IF he didn't do it...he's in the wrong county to prove otherwise...Barry county is a hanging county, even without full proof....BUT, if he did...they will make sure he does his time! IF this is the Terpining from my home town, then I doubt very much that he did it...but then again...no one truley knows their neighbor...

Teia Nicole · Nurse Aide at Comfort Keepers · September 12, 2011 at 7:37pm

I think he did it and they know it

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 7:43pm

And I think Pete gets at and adds to what I am bumbling around to get out. I worry this man has fooled a lot of people and gotten away with it for so long he actually believes his own story line. If these allegations are true this man had one foot in a world where he was wildly respected by people like Susan and Suzanne, as well as respected people in child welfare, as well as one foot in a dark place where kids got hurt.

If these allegations are true this is a predator of the highest magnitude whose ability to manipulate people around him is truly stunning. The control he must have had over the people around him had to be incredible.

Yet when we take a look at the people around him, wow. I am not seeing a leader in child welfare. This is more like a house of cards starting to come down around this guy. Leaders want strong, independent people who bring excellent role modeling to these kids. Heck the places I worked, we were required to speak up when we saw things go wrong. Most of the time these state licensed and state regulated organizations have required policies ensuring people speak up for kids. I am not saying the guy is guilty, but I've never seen an accused person supported in this way. People get support because sometimes things happen, but nothing like what is going on in this case.

Mindie VanBoxel · Aspiring Farmer at Relatively Stable Acres · September 12, 2011 at 8:05pm

Teens lie about abuse all the time. Look at how many kids have lied about attempted abductions in the past few years. In school, there were several teen girls that would make accusations about teachers they didn't like. Going through classes for foster care, we were actually told that foster children lie a LOT about sexual abuse because they will do and say anything out of frustration with their situation. These are obviously troubled people, and there are many reasons for them to lie. People lie and say they were abused as an excuse for the abuse they are inflicting on someone else, or for their own failures and insecurities. Everyone wants someone to blame for their problems. I'm not saying they ARE lying, I am just saying that there is a chance they are, and if they are, they should be prosecuted as they have ruined a person's life. It's quite unfortunate in this day that there are just as many false accusations in cases like this are there are true ones.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 12, 2011 at 8:25pm

Minnie it is so nice to see someone speak who has no clue and yes you are calling them liars. As a former foster parent, adoptive parent, and someone who worked in both mental health and child welfare I can tell you, lies about sexual abuse are rare, ESPECIALLY from boys.

Your comment about how many kids lied about attempted abductions is bizarre. These were few and far between even in a media that picks up few and far between. I would add to your comment, anyway, and note a few women who made allegations of being raped. In each of these cases no one was arrested and law enforcement figured out the truth BEFORE anyone was arrested.

If you look back in each case there was a prosecution. So let's give some points for professional law enforcement not being bored and looking to ruin someone's life for lack of anything else to do.
...See More

Brandon Wellfare · Top Commenter · No Way · September 12, 2011 at 10:38pm

Faggot

Mark Anthony Alonso · Anna Maria, Florida · September 12, 2011 at 10:50pm

I hope he has a lot of furry friends of his waiting for him in a state or federal prison. They will inflict justice upon him.

Mark Anthony Alonso · Anna Maria, Florida · September 12, 2011 at 11:06pm

Who is that woman sticking her fingers in her ears and sticking her tongue out, obviously a supporter. I hope she gets it too.

Mark Anthony Alonso · Anna Maria, Florida · September 12, 2011 at 11:07pm

What a shameful group of supporters that have no shame.

Mark Anthony Alonso · Anna Maria, Florida · September 12, 2011 at 11:09pm

Your a bunch of stupid hollanders or something but you all have a regressive gene like this predator you scum bags. And I mean all of you witches on the news video with your big mouthes and sticking your fingers in your ears and sticking out your tongue. LICK THIS WITCH!! And you are some ugly women with big mouthes that need to shut the FU. Burn in hell with him witches.

Jim Hill · September 12, 2011 at 11:15pm

Well more Tax Money gone. Seem like all we got is Victims In this country. Let's get Justice for them what a joke. Only thing I ever see is law enforcement getting the money never the So called Victims It's a lose lose for tax payers All we do is put the people in jail who pays the Biggest cost The Tax Payer's. Do a test Just see how much money is spent on this crap. And then Get ready for more tax money On new case's Sorry to the boys if that happened But No one Wins But the judges and lawyer's and the cops

Pete Moss · GED · September 12, 2011 at 11:47pm

Mark, how do you really feel about this case? Jim, you don't make sense!

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 13, 2011 at 5:20am

Another one of Mr. Terpening's good friends posting in the Battle Creek Enquirer.

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/arti ... /109130306 (http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20110913/OPINION03/109130306)[/list]
Pete Moss · GED · September 13, 2011 at 4:25pm

what a great way to put it, ".Michael Terpening, a man who has devoted his life to saving abused animals," referring to children who have been abused as "animals," and perhaps thats just the way these kids were treated which is why Mr. Terpening is finding himself right where he is

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 13, 2011 at 5:52pm

Let's hope the animals were not treated the way these boys claimed they were treated...

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

Title: Comments: "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults" 3
Post by: Ursus on February 11, 2012, 05:56:05 PM

Comments (http://http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/gun_lake_region/michael-terpening-hearing-september-12-2011) left for the above article, "Terpening to face trial for 12 assaults (http://http://www.fornits.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=38925&p=412205#p412205)" (by Ken Kolker, 12 Sep/25 Oct 2011, WOOD-TV8), #s 41-60:


Pete Moss · GED · September 13, 2011 at 6:04pm

no kidding Guest Checks; I am just shocked that the judge has not put some type of order in place for these people to stop the intimidation and harassment of these victims; these victims seem to be stronger people with higher character than Mr. Terpening or any of his supporters will ever be or ever have

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 13, 2011 at 7:44pm

I was messaging with a person close to this who has been critical of the judge. Really it would be up to the prosecutor to file charges. However, if I am the prosecutor I may privately let this roll off my back. Keep in mind these are kids with experience with courts, all of it bad.

What happened at the Preliminarily Hearing was like giving a kid a measles shot. Each kid got a small taste of what being a witness is because in order to carry the case to the Circuit Court the prosecutor has to show probable cause a crime was committed and probable cause the Mr. Terpening committed the crimes.

After weeks of having to repeat these stories to a host of people these young men went into court, a place they never enjoyed and were often the one in trouble and found out the judge believed them. Not only that, the court and the prosecu...See More

Pete Moss · GED · September 13, 2011 at 8:09pm

yeah, I guess its like the prosecutor said, in so many words, they can bring in their three out of town lawyers, pack the courtroom, etc, but they're not going to let them intimidate them

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 13, 2011 at 8:13pm

Terpening's lawyer and the Terpening Followers are sabotaging this case. He is getting little support and it is getting worse.

Jamie Moore · September 14, 2011 at 10:09am

My aunt Bobbie (Liz) was not sticking her tongue out at a victim, it was directed towards Trooper Vannette, but leave it to Wood TV 8 to get it wrong. They blatantly dissected an interview that I did to make it look as though I am guilty of a crime.

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 14, 2011 at 10:37am

You have got to be kidding. If I was a supporting Mr. Terpening, the last thing I would be doing is sticking my tongue out at anyone. In a civilized society we settle issues in courts, we do not stick tongues out at people IN THE FREAKING COURT HOUSE.

All your comment has done is backed up so many people who find the Terpening Followers as way over the edge; and that is giving you people far more credit than you deserve.

Your comment brings me back to the question I asked a long time ago, how is it a community leader, a leader in child welfare has friends who do stuff like this? This guy should be the best of the best in our society and the more his friends and family stick their butts out the more it really raises questions about him and his innocence.

I mean, really, your judgment is stunningly awful, you are mad at WOOD for not getting who the tongue was pointed at? Are you kidding me? How about you folks comport yourselves with dignity and stop all the wacky acting out? All you do is make Terpening look worse. ARE YOU EVEN READING THE COMMENTS HERE? Juries come from ordinary citizens and you are alienating every ordinary person you possibly can with the stunts.

Jamie Moore · September 14, 2011 at 12:04pm

I was NOT mad about Wood TV 8 getting it wrong at who the tongue was directed at, I AM ANGRY that Wood TV8 dissected my interview. CLEARLY you either work for Wood TV 8 or is it the Prosecutor's Office that you get paid from?

If you think we are going to sit idly by and remain quiet while CPS STEALS the children of our family, you are sadly mistaken. If you think it's not happening (the legalized KIDNAPPING of children) THINK AGAIN!!! It's happening all over the State. Here are 2 links that may interest you, IF you are the truth seeker that you claim to be.

http://miparentalrights.ning.com/ (http://miparentalrights.ning.com/)

http://www.abusedswan.com/ (http://www.abusedswan.com/)

If these aren't enough, then I am sure I can find you more![/list]
Jamie Moore · September 14, 2011 at 1:17pm

How about this one

http://legallykidnapped.blogspot.com/20 ... vices.html (http://legallykidnapped.blogspot.com/2010/09/michigan-department-of-human-services.html)
or maybe this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgpsupY ... r_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHgpsupYZww&feature=player_embedded)
Whoever you are Guest Checks, you need to get up to speed on things, children are being KIDNAPPED by CPS all over![/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 14, 2011 at 1:34pm

This is what amazes me about the Terpening Followers. What makes you think there is something good, right, or just about doing anything in a court building, or in a court room other than to sit quietly? Why would you risk expressing your anger, at all, when Michael Terpenings family, life and freedom is on the line?

What in God's name is going on in the heads of you and your friends that you think you have any business in front of any camera, EVER? I am not sure I accept any of what you say, but are you people such media experts that you think Mr. Terpening is going to gain from your showing up in front of a camera?

My impression is you people have zero insight into the damage you are doing to Mr. Terpening by this bizarre campaign. I mean do you have any idea the thousands of people a TV station reaches every time one of you ...See More

Suzanne Gillihan · Works at Proud Stay At Home Mommy · September 15, 2011 at 7:03am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66u2Qot5 ... r_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66u2Qot5Mbs&feature=player_embedded)[/list]

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           · December 26, 2011 at 4:04pm
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Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan  · September 16, 2011 at 5:36am

Not sure I get that second sentence, but I can tell you that they can really tell far more conclusively if something happened than you may think. Child Predators, and if he did this he is a Child Predator, engage in very specific behaviors that eaily identify them as child predators.

Predators groom kids, here is a good article, (

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22190/839 ... -behaviors (http://www.divinecaroline.com/22190/83919-sexual-predator-grooming-behaviors) ) Here is video from the Oprah show (
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/How-Sex- ... Boys-Video (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/How-Sex-Offenders-Groom-Young-Boys-Video) ) Here are the 6 stages of grooming: (
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Child-Se ... f-Grooming (http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Child-Sexual-Abuse-6-Stages-of-Grooming) )

When allegations like this come up there is a team that gets involved from CPS, the law enforcement agency, and the prosecutor's officer. It is not just a detective asking what happened. In Grand Rapids, al...See More[/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 16, 2011 at 5:37am

Stage 4: Isolating the child

The grooming sex offender uses the developing special relationship with the child to create situations in which they are alone together. This isolation further reinforces a special connection. Babysitting, tutoring, coaching and special trips all enable this isolation.

A special relationship can be even more reinforced when an offender cultivates a sense in the child that he is loved or appreciated in a way that others, not even parents, provide. Parents may unwittingly feed into this through their own appreciation for the unique relationship.

Again, think about it, the leader of a program giving special attention to one or more kids...

Stage 5: Sexualizing the relationship

At a stage of sufficient emotional dependence and trust, the offender progressively sexualizes the relationship. Desensiti...See More

Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 16, 2011 at 5:52am

For any child in placement, Stages 1-3 are built in. Any team talking to those kids is looking for things like, did Terpening give more attention to specific kids during placed with him as opposed to others? In looking back did he seem to want specific kids in placement? (Often kids are interviewed for placement) Did Terpening seem to have favorites? Did he seem to have less interest in others kids?

Child predators can come off as wonderful people, they have to to accomplish their goals, but a closer look often shows amazingly self interested people who have little insight or a willingness to understand the damage they are doing. Someone in child welfare will stand out, after a while, because it is hard to pretend interest in helping someone while you are doing massive damage to their lives. They can pretend, but it will fall apart.

So the interviews are not just, "Tell me what happened." They are looking for the grooming.

Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:13pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztEqMoun ... ture=share (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztEqMounuRU&feature=share)[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:14pm

http://protectingourchildrenfrombeingso ... -violated/ (http://protectingourchildrenfrombeingsold.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/there-will-be-more-lawsuits-against-cps-and-caseworkers-as-the-truth-emerges-in-all-the-states-your-consititutional-rights-cannot-be-violated/)[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:17pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arVPZHgTcmA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arVPZHgTcmA)[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:19pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9k-1Du7 ... ture=share (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9k-1Du74mg&feature=share)[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:21pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9OoWRPH ... ture=share (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9OoWRPHs24&feature=share)[/list]
Susan Ward Gillihan · E.A.Johnson Memorial High School · September 17, 2011 at 7:23pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZeKJHphpQU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZeKJHphpQU)[/list]
Guest Checks · Comstock Park, Michigan · September 18, 2011 at 5:49am

None of this explains 5 young men and the allegations made against Mr. Terpening.

He was a care giver to his adopted children and those children must be protected if he is, in fact, a predator.

You can post all the cowardly, nameless posts you want, the allegations will remain and demand an answer.

Lori Peltier · Works at No Place Like Home · December 1, 2011 at 11:01am

This man was my daughters landlord and she said he/Michael would grab her boyfriends butt all the time and also asked if they wanted to do a threesome so, what do you get from that?

Bethany Christian Bethany · Top Commenter · January 6 at 2:22pm

FB Justice for Michael Terpening.

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

Title: Update
Post by: Oscar on November 04, 2013, 09:28:18 AM

Quote from: The Examiner

Michael Terpening is found guilty of 8 sex crimes against foster kids (http://www.examiner.com/article/michael-terpening-is-found-guilty-of-8-sex-crimes-against-foster-kids)
by Jennifer McLeod, The Examiner, November 2, 2012

Michael Terpening, former owner of Earth Services, was found guilty of 8 sex crimes today in Barry County Circuit Court. He was charged with 12 counts in Aug. 2011 after boys living in The House Next Door, a residential treatment facility, made accusations that Terpening had been sexually inappropriate with them.

Terpening took the stand in his own defense yesterday and claimed he never touched the victims inappropriately, other than to comfort them when they were upset.

After his testimony, the Attorney General and defense attorney, Tom Schaefer, gave closing arguments. Today, the jury spent the entire day deliberating in a conference room and was able to have the verdict ready before the courthouse closed for the day.

A spokeswoman for Attorney General Bill Schuette's office, Joy Yearout, gave her statement regarding this case:

    Michael Terpening's conviction on multiple felony counts achieves justice for the victims and their families who were traumatized by his abuse...we will seek the maximum sentence, which is 15 years in prison.

Terpening was convicted on the following counts:

• 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, one count
  
• 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, one count
• 4th degree attempted criminal sexual conduct, one count
• Aggravated indecent exposure, two counts
• 4th degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts

Terpening was taken into custody by police and told he will be sent to prison. Sentencing for Terpening is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2012.

Quote from: The Examiner

Michael Terpening has been sentenced for the sex crimes against his foster kids (http://www.examiner.com/article/michael-terpening-has-been-sentenced-for-the-sex-crimes-against-his-foster-kids)
by Jennifer McLeod, The Examiner, December 13, 2012

Michael Terpening, convicted sexual predator, was sentenced Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Terpening was accused last year of sexual misconduct against boys in his foster home and was recently found guilty on 8 of 12 of those charges. He was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison on two of the convicted charges, which will run concurrently. On the less serious charges, he was sentenced to jail time with time already served.

Originally, Terpening was offered a plea deal, which he denied, that would have imprisoned him for one year. Instead, he chose to interfere in the case and was tampering by influencing others to pressure witnesses and victims into lying or recanting their testimony, which happened in the case with one of the victims. Terpening also chose to testify in his own defense earlier on in the trial.

The assistant attorney general, Angela Povilaitis, gave a lengthy speech and accused Michael of using his position of authority, entrusted to him by the State of Michigan, to molest and traumatize kids, causing them more psychological damage. Judge Amy McDowell adds her opinion further by mentioning how Terpening specifically asked for sexual abuse victims to be placed at his facility, the worse they were, the better.

Povilaitis requested to the judge to consider the special circumstances in this case when sentencing Terpening. Povilaitis goes on to say,

These victims lacked parental support...I will be the voice for them today...and, what is strikingly clear is that this is not an isolated incident. This is not a one-time failure of a man who pleads mercy from the court for his mistake. We have a man who perpetrates crimes against victims. His actions were for his own selfish, sexual satisfaction. He has manipulated the system, the courts, his family, and his supporters to get victims to go on TV and recant their statements. We are her today because of his actions. The chances were given to him many, many times.

Judge McDowell departed from the sentencing guidelines, because of Terpening's attempt to try to cover up his crimes, giving him the maximum sentence possible in this case. This was decided, in part, because of testimony from victims who testified that they were sexually abused by Terpening many years ago, for which he was never prosecuted for. Judge McDowell agreed there was a pattern of predatory conduct and supported the Povilaitis's statements.

Tom Schaeffer argued in defense of Terpening, who was allowed to speak last, right before his sentencing. Terpening made an emotional plea to Judge McDowell, stating he had never been convicted of anything in the past. He stated he would enroll in any program and attend therapy wherever the courts directed, if they would sentence him to the minimal sentencing guidelines, so he could still be with his family. He claims he is being mistreated in the jail and has problems with other men rubbing against him. He also had letters of recommendations from a few of his supporters, such as Mike and Linda Timmons. The judge was not impressed.

Judge McDowell denied Terpening's request and told him he was a predator who preyed on victims. Her summary of Terpening was in a few simple words.

You are a danger to the community.