A former worship leader associated with Answers in Genesis has been charged with 80 counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage boy.
Michael Howard, 36 had been part of TrueSong, the worship music group serving at Answers in Genesis’ Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, and the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, until his recent departure.
In a statement to ChurchLeaders, Answers in Genesis confirmed that Howard is no longer affiliated with the ministry. The organisation, founded by apologist Ken Ham, provides resources that promote a literal interpretation of the Genesis creation account and the belief that the earth is roughly 6,000 years old.
Answers in Genesis stated that Howard’s departure occurred before they became aware of the investigation. Howard’s biography has since been removed from the Ark Encounter’s website and from Florence Baptist Temple in Burlington, Kentucky, where he was a member from 2009 and previously served as a worship leader in 2022.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation in December 2024 after receiving a report of sexual abuse. The victim alleged that he had been abused by Howard for several years, from the age of 15. According to authorities, the abuse allegedly began in the spring of 2020, after Howard began sending sexual messages to the then-15-year-old.
During interviews, Howard reportedly made admissions about a “3-4 year relationship” with the victim. Howard was arrested on 2nd January 2025 and faces 40 counts of sexual abuse in the first degree and 40 counts of sodomy in the third degree.
He is currently being held at Boone County Jail on a $250,000 (£203,153) bond.
The investigation is ongoing.