Updated with Video: VFW 'House Parent' Charged with Multiple Sex Crimes

CREATED Oct. 16, 2012 - UPDATED: Oct. 17, 2012

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  • 44-year-old Misty Botke faces life in prison after being charged with criminal sexual conduct with two boys at the V.F.W. National Home for Children Video by fox47news.com

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Misty Botke was at her Eaton Rapids home, Monday, when she was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two boys while working as a "house parent" for the V.F.W National Home for Children in Onondaga Township.

The arrest followed a two-month long investigation by Ingham County Detectives. They began the investigation in August when a man came forward saying Botke sexually assaulted him during his time at the V.F.W. home. Another victim soon came forward.

"The home was notified of the allegations and the defendant was placed on administrative leave and then Detective Harrison form the Ingham County Sheriff's Office led the investigation," said Lisa McCormick, Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Ingham County.

The assaults allegedly occurred between 1998 and 2006. The first victim indicated to investigators that the assaults happened between ages 12 and 18. The second victim said they started when he was 15.

"We made the arrest of Misty Botke on four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct in the first degree and three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree," said Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth.

Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing.

"I would urge the public to not decide for themselves whether or not the information they have is worthy of the investigation," said McCormick. "Come forward and bring whatever information you have to Detective Harrison."

Botke has been an employee of the V.F.W. home since 1991. Sheriff Wriggelsworth says the home has been cooperative during the investigation.

"Our community needs to have faith in its institutions and it is important that we reaffirm that faith so we will do everything we can to make sure this investigation goes where it needs to," said Wriggelsworth.

Botke's next appearance in court is scheduled for October 23 at 1 p.m. If convicted, prosecutors say she faces up to life in prison.

 


 

A woman employed at the VFW National Home for Children in Ingham County's Onondaga Township is being charged with several sex crimes.

Misty Lynn Botke was arraigned Tuesday morning on 4 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct - 1st degree and 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct - 2nd degree involving two juveniles. All 7 counts are felonies. She is lodged at the Ingham County Jail with a $15,000 bond.

The investigation started in August when one victim reported the alleged crimes. The investigation revealed a second victim--- both of whom were younger than 18 at the times of the alleged crimes.

The Ingham County Sheriff's Office says Botke had been working at the VFW National Home for Children since 1991. The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 1998 and 2006, when she was a "house parent" in a residential home and these children were in her care.

Botke was still employed by the VFW when the investigation started and has since been placed on administrative leave. The 44-year-old was arrested Monday at her home in Eaton Rapids, where a search warrant was also executed. Botke will be back in court October 23.

If you have any information about this case that could help investigators, call Detective Annie Harrison with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office at 517-676-8256.


 

MASON - A woman is being accused in Ingham County of having sexual conduct with two boys.

Ingham County Sheriff's Office will have a press conference Tuesday morning announcing the charges they are bringing against the woman.

They tell FOX 47 that she is a 44-year-old woman, and say she was arrested on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving the juvenile males that were in her care.