Church Choir Director Accused of Sexual Abuse against Teenage Girl
By Andrew Krietz
A statement from the Catholic Dioceses of Kalamazoo has been included in this story. WAYLAND, MI — A man employed as a church choir director was arrested Thursday, Dec. 5, in connection with sexually abusing a teenager during a span of about three years. Nathan Lavoie, 32, of Middleville, faces several sexual abuse charges, including criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and accosting a minor, according to the Michigan State Police. He was employed by St. Therese Lisieux Parish in Wayland, police said. Authorities allege Lavoie committed multiple sexual acts against a teenage female beginning when she was 15 years old from 2011 to 2013. Police continue to investigate the allegations and are working to identify and interview other potential victims, they say. Rev. Christian Johnston, pastor of St. Therese Lisieux Parish, placed Lavoie on administrative leave pending police investigation on March 22, 2013, after receiving an allegation of misconduct, according to a statement from the Catholic Dioceses of Kalamazoo. He, too, notified Child Protective Services. Johnston said Monday afternoon he did not have additional comment beyond the dioceses' statement. It continued: "We are deeply saddened by these troubling events. The Diocese of Kalamazoo remains diligent in our commitment to the safety and protection of our children. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing investigation and criminal proceedings." Lavoie was arraigned Thursday in Allegan County's 57th District Court. He faces up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines if found guilty. akrietz@mlive.com
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