Terpening to trial on more sex charges

HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD) - Michael Terpening, already facing a trial on 12 sex charges , was bound over for trial on two more counts in Barry County on Friday.

In a preliminary hearing in district court, the 22-year-old alleged victim said he was sexually assaulted by Terpening about 12 years ago in Johnstown Township.

He testified that while he was living with a foster mother -- who was Terpening's sister-in-law -- "Uncle Mike" would come over and help with daily chores around their farm. During that time, he said, there was eight separate sexual contacts between he and Terpening in a barn.

Just after Thanksgiving 2011, the Michigan State Police received a tip about these incidents. Investigators went to talk with the young man, who at first denied the allegations. Later, he admitted to the police the incidents happened.

Terpening, 32, was ordered to stand trial on these charges. The married father of eight is also facing charges on insurance fraud.