Interlochen Center for the Arts Archives

Photo: The Maddy Administration Building at Interlochen Center for the Arts by rossograph - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. Prosecutors in northern Michigan are reviewing approximately 10 cases involving alleged sexual abuse and misconduct at Interlochen Center for the Arts that may still be eligible for criminal prosecution, Dave Boucher of Detroit Free Press reported per Belleville News-Democrat. The review follows an independent investigation commissioned by Interlochen that found evidence suggesting nearly 50 adults sexually abused or exploited at least 70 students over several decades. The Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office said some of the allegations appear to remain prosecutable despite the age of the cases and is referring information to law enforcement for additional investigation. Independent Investigation Found Decades of Alleged Misconduct Interlochen hired an outside law firm in 2024 to investigate allegations involving the prestigious arts academy and summer camp. The review initially focused on allegations from the 1960s and 1970s but was later expanded to examine reports from other periods. The resulting report described conduct ranging from inappropriate sexual comments to alleged rape. Most of the allegations involved incidents that occurred before 2000. The report did not publicly identify the former students or adults involved, although Interlochen has said the names of accused individuals were provided to law enforcement. Statute of Limitations Could Determine Which Cases Move Forward Prosecutors began reviewing the report after it was released publicly in July. Because many of the allegations involve conduct from decades ago, investigators first had to determine whether Michigan’s criminal statutes of limitations still allow charges to be filed. The prosecutor’s office now says approximately 10 cases appear potentially viable and will undergo further investigation. Officials said they intend to approach survivors carefully, particularly in cases involving allegations from many years ago. Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office has offered assistance but is not currently conducting a separate investigation. At Least One Former Interlochen Teacher Was Previously Convicted The independent report includes at least one case that previously resulted in a criminal conviction. Former Interlochen arts teacher Thomas Clower was convicted in 2005 of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving conduct at the institution. Clower later taught dance in Texas. His profile was removed from the website of a Dallas-area dance academy following publication of the Interlochen investigation. Another former Interlochen educator resigned from Appalachian State University in July 2026 amid a university investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. That former educator worked at Interlochen from 1992 through 2000. A former student has alleged that he was sexually abused during that period. Civil Lawsuits Could Also Follow Separate from the potential criminal cases, former students and their representatives are examining whether civil claims may still be brought under Michigan law. Statutes of limitations remain a major issue for survivors whose allegations date back decades. Advocates have pushed Michigan lawmakers to expand the time available for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil lawsuits, particularly in cases where alleged misconduct occurred many years before a survivor was prepared to come forward. Interlochen and the outside investigators have also acknowledged that additional former students may still report abuse that was not included in the original investigation. The prosecutor’s review therefore may not represent the final scope of either the criminal or civil cases connected to Interlochen.

Interlochen Center for the Arts

Prosecutors Review Interlochen (MI) Center for the Arts Sexual Abuse Cases

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Interlochen Center for the Arts

Prosecutors Review Interlochen (MI) Center for the Arts Sexual Abuse Cases

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