A mid-Michigan woman faces seven criminal sexual conduct charges from her time as a house parent for a VFW National Home for Children.
Forty-four-year-old Misty Botke of Eaton Rapids was arrested Monday and arraigned Tuesday in Mason District Court. She's pleaded not guilty and is free on a $15,000 bond.
The VFW home says it put Botke on leave after learning of the allegation in August. Executive Director Patrice Green says the agency is cooperating with authorities and calls it a "heartbreaking situation."
Defense lawyer Lawrence Nolan says Botke expects to be vindicated.
Authorities say the abuse happened in 1998-2006. They began investigating one report on Aug. 15, leading to a second complainant.
Two complainants were under Botke's care at the time and now are adults.
