News

Actions

Former Youth Home Director to be Sentenced

Posted at 6:14 AM, Dec 13, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-13 06:29:53-05

HASTINGS, Mich. — A former Barry County youth home director, found guilty of child sexual abuse, is expected to be sentenced Thursday.

In November, a jury found Michael Terpening guilty on eight of 13 counts.

Terpening ran a non-profit called “Earth Services” in Bellvue. It started as an animal shelter and became a home for troubled kids.

Police arrested Terpening in August of 2011.

During his trial, several victims testified that Terpening exposed himself to them on several occasions. One victim claimed the sexual assaults happened 12 years ago when he was only 10 years old.