Fmr youth home dir accused in sex case

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, 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 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."