EATON RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A mid-Michigan woman faces seven criminal sexual conduct charges from her time as a house parent for a VFW National Home for Children.
Misty Botke was arraigned Tuesday in 55th District Court in Mason and released on a $15,000 bond.
The 44-year-old was arrested Monday at her Eaton Rapids home, southwest of Lansing.
Botke was placed on administrative leave in August. She's worked there since 1991.
She worked as a house parent during the time of the alleged crimes, caring for children of veterans when their parents couldn't.
"Our victims are pretty strong people and I think we should prevail on this," said Ingham County Sherif Gene Wriggelsworth.
Authorities say the sexual abuse happened between 1998 and 2006 in a residential home. Authorities say they began investigating one report on Aug. 15. That led to a second person.
Two of the complainants were under Botke's care at the time. They're now adults.
"I'm sure that anyone that has had to face this before thinks it's impossible, but it is possible and as time goes on and more facts to light, we'll deal with those head on," said Executive Director Patrice Green with the VFW National Home for Children.
Since 1925, the VFW National Home for Children has been serving veterans and their families with a mission to care for and protect them.
"Although we're devesated for the people that may be involved, one incident doesn't erase hundred and thousands of good deeds and good things that have been done. We're going to be stronger for it, I think. Things are stronger when they've been broken and repaired," said Green.
Defense lawyer Lawrence Nolan says Botke pleaded not guilty Tuesday and expects to be vindicated.
If you have any information regarding this case, you're asked to call the detective at 517-676-8256.
