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20
August 27 • 2015
Coping from page 18
pornography. Kuppe would have been
a senior this fall at Michigan State
University.
According to court records, Assistant
U.S. Attorney Sara Woodward said
investigators believe some of the photos
were taken by Kuppe during a camp
overnight in early August. The govern-
ment also offered evidence Kuppe had
"familiarized and positioned himself
with the young boys even though he
had no duty to supervise them" a situ-
ation that also con-
cerned some parents
at the JFS forum.
"They allowed
him near the most
- 1 vulnerable campers"
said Dani Gillman of
West Bloomfield, the
mother of a 10-year-
Dani Gillman
old daughter with
special needs.
Parents at the
forum discussed that Kuppe was given
a green staff shirt. The parents said the
green shirt connotes more authority
and allowed Kuppe to go anywhere in
the camp without being questioned.
Chute said it is common for sexual
predators to ingratiate themselves in
order to earn trust and gain access to
their victims.
la
Camp. "We did the
same kind of back-
ground checks [at
Ramah], and I trust
the JCC is doing the
best they can with
the information they
Melissa Ser
have"
Ser added that
camp administrators are often not free
to provide information to parents or the
general community when a criminal
investigation is pending.
"I don't fault the camp; they did their
due diligence during the hiring pro-
cess" said Nancie Rakotz Becker, parent
of a 6-year-old camper. "I feel my child
is safe; she's there now [for mini-camp].
I love their programming"
JCC Response
The JCC said they were unable to com-
ment because of the pending investiga-
tion; however, their spokesman Michael
Layne issued a statement, which is
excerpted here:
"The Board of Directors, leadership
and staff of the Jewish Community
Center cares deeply about the well-
being of JCC Day Camp children and
families. The health, safety and welfare
of our children have been and remain
our highest priority.
"We are heartsick that this incident
occurred and are thoroughly evaluating
our policies and procedures to ensure
that it does not happen again.
"The JCC pledges to maintain proac-
tive, open and honest communication
with camper families and the greater
community. At the appropriate time, we
will share information.
"We are here for the campers and their
parents or guardians as well as our staff'
Bond Denied
At an Aug. 18 bond hearing, Kuppe's
attorney Walter Piszczatowski asked that
his client be released on bond into the
custody of his parents, who work from
home and agreed to monitor him around
the clock. Piszczatowski argued Kuppe
was an A+ student from a close-knit
family who would not flee the area or
pose a danger to the community.
Federal Magistrate Judge Elizabeth
A. Stafford denied bond and ordered
Kuppe's detention continue on the
grounds he had engaged in "covert and
exploitative conduct" and that similar
offenders had found ways to continue
their criminal behavior despite strin-
gent supervision and restrictions. The
detention order also cited that Kuppe
lived within 400 feet of a school as
another reason for denying his release
on bond.
According to Lt. Curt Lawson of the
West Bloomfield Police Department,
the investigation is ongoing, including
continuing interviews with JCC camp-
ers by trained professionals at CARE
House, an Oakland County facility that
specializes in helping victims of child
abuse, including sexual abuse.
If evidence of sexual abuse is found,
Kuppe could be charged and prosecuted
by Oakland County in addition to the
federal child pornography charges he
now faces.
At press time, a preliminary examina-
tion was scheduled in U.S. District Court
for Thursday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m.
Positive Response
Some parents expressed confidence in
the JCC, endorsing the way the organi-
zation handled the crisis and expressing
confidence about their children's safety
and well-being.
"I still feel very comfortable sending
my kids to the JCC. I'm very confident
in their leadership" said Melissa Ser,
mother of two JCC campers and a for-
mer director of Ramah Jerusalem Day
Those with information or questions may
call the West Bloomfield Police Department
at (248) 975-9200 or the 24/7 U.S.
Attorney's Office hotline at (888) 702-
0553, or email usamie.victimservisces®
usdoj.gov.
Counseling or other support
services are available through Jewish
Family Service Resource Center at (248)
592-2666.
See related story, page 22.
❑