HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 5, 2023) – In August of 2023, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office detectives began an investigation after receiving a report of an alleged sexual assault. During the investigation, it was determined that the incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in the city of Grand Haven.
Sheriff’s detectives continued to investigate and determined that a 55 year old male had inappropriate sexual contact with a 17 year old male, after the youth was provided alcohol by the suspect. The victim was also photographed without his knowledge or consent.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was turned over to the Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and on November 29th, 2023, criminal charges were authorized. Charges include: Criminal Sexual Conduct-2nd Degree- During the Commission of a Felony, Child Sexual Abusive Activity, Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
On December 1st, 2023, the suspect was located in Kentwood by Ottawa County detectives and taken into custody without incident. Kentwood Police Department assisted the Sheriff’s Office. He was lodged at the Ottawa County Jail. The suspect is identified as James “Jimmy” Richard Beauchamp, age 55, of Kentwood. Mr. Beauchamp was arraigned by the Honorable Craig Bunce on 12/01/23 via video at the 58th District Court. Bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety and Beauchamp remains in custody at the Ottawa County Jail.
Mr. Beauchamp was formerly affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids and had contact with teens and young adults through his employment and volunteer work. Mr. Beauchamp was not a priest.
Once this story was disclosed by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department on Monday, the Diocese of Grand Rapids issued the following statement:
The charges against a former parish employee are deeply troubling. The Diocese of Grand Rapids holds the victim-survivor and his family in our prayers and continues to offer them support on their healing journey. The family reported the incident to the diocese, who forwarded the complaint to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Attorney General. The diocese, in conjunction with the parish, will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation. The parish pastor terminated Mr. Beauchamp’s employment upon learning of the allegation. In accordance with our diocesan safe environment policies, Mr. Beauchamp had previously passed several background checks, went through Virtus, a safe environment training program that is mandatory for all members of our clergy, volunteers, staff members and teachers, and signed the “Standards of Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children and Young People.”
Sheriff’s Investigators believe that additional victims may exist that have not yet reported potential criminal incidents to law enforcement. If anyone has additional information, they are encouraged to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at (616) 738-4025 or Silent Observer at 1-877-88-SILENT (745368) or online at mosotips.com.
This incident remains under investigation by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
-Gary Stevens contributed to this story
Comments