Sheriff: Charges filed in missing Emmet County child case

An Emmet County couple faces felony child abuse charges resulting from a missing child case back in July.

According to a press release from the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, what initially began as a missing child investigation resulted in the arrest of Phil and Kimberly Loesch of Harbor Springs. Both were charged with three counts of felony child abuse-second degree.

The release says on July 15, the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office was called to Readmond Township for a missing 13-year-old. After a grueling two-day search, the boy was located in Cross Village.

“During the course of the search, my office received several tips as to the reason why this young man may have left his home,” said Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin.

After the boy was located, an investigation began regarding possible abuse by his adopted parents.

“There’s a reason people run away, and we wanted to find out what caused it,” said Wallin.

Three children, all adopted, were removed from the Loeschs’ home, said Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin. All have been placed in other homes.

Each child abuse charge carries a 10-year possible prison sentence. Second degree child abuse is defined as physical or mental harm to a child by a reckless act or intentional physical or mental harm.

The Department of Human Services is involved, and the case is in both probate and criminal court.

Kim and Phil Loesch — ages 50 and 53, respectively — turned themselves into the sheriff’s office and have been released on a $10,000 bond. Sheriff Wallin asks if anyone has information regarding this case to call (231) 439-8900.