SOUTH WEBER, Utah — A 59-year-old instructor with Weber Basin Job Corps Center in Davis County is facing charges of forcible sexual abuse after an underage student reported inappropriate conduct to officials.
Jmichael Redcliff Crank was arrested on Thursday, and authorities are worried there may be additional victims who have yet to be identified.
According to court documents, on May 5, the victim first reported the incident to the Davis County Sheriff's Office. The victim told investigators that she had become a student with Job Corps when she was 16-years-old, and is now 17.
The victim told police that her electrical trade instructor, Crank, often brought her and another student coffee. However, on April 17, Crank told the student that the coffee was in a mini fridge in his office's closet.
Detectives said the victim told them that there are cameras in Crank's office, but he had purposely set them up not to capture the closet area of the office or Crank's desk.
When the victim approached the closet, she said Crank told her that he wanted a hug in return for the coffee. The victim gave Crank a 'side hug' but said he insisted on a 'proper hug.'
During that alleged hug, the victim stated that Crank made a comment about her not wearing a bra and moved his hand underneath her shirt.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage of the incident and said cameras didn't capture the area where the alleged assault took place. However, they added that the student can be seen entering the closet, and when she exited, her shirt appeared to have been tampered with.
According to the victim, Crank had other instances of making students uncomfortable. She added that sometimes Crank would request hugs while sitting in his office chair and out of view of the cameras.
Detectives are aware of text communications between Crank and students, something they said is against Job Corps policy.
"We know Mr. Crank has worked at other educational institutions for at least the last decade and have concerns there may be additional victims or witnesses who have not yet been identified," said the Davis County Sheriff's Office.
Anyone with information on Crank is urged to contact Davis County Dispatch at 801-451-4150 and reference case number D26-08473.
Crank is being held without bail as they believe he is a flight risk if released.
