Full Breakdown
Interlochen Center for the Arts Report Uncovers Decades of Sexual Misconduct
8/7/2026, 10:26:56 PM
Core Findings of the Independent Investigation
An outside law firm, Sanghavi Law Office, released a 97-page report documenting alleged sexual misconduct at Interlochen Center for the Arts from the 1950s through the 2010s. The investigation, prompted by a 2024 disclosure, included roughly 180 interviews and about 70 firsthand reports from alumni. It identified 47 adults—faculty, staff, donors, trustees and visitors—accused of sexual conduct with students; 17 of those individuals are deceased and none remain employed by Interlochen. Reported behaviors range from grooming and sexual comments to intercourse and long-term “relationships.”
Background and Context
Interlochen hired Sanghavi Law Office after an individual contacted the school in 2024 to report an incident from decades earlier. The firm’s mandate was to preserve survivor narratives rather than assign legal liability. The report also notes the school’s historical ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a donor from 1990 to 2003 who funded scholarships and a lodge later renamed Green Lake Lodge and demolished in 2024.
Data and Statistics
- 47 accused adults (including Epstein).
- 70 alumni provided firsthand accounts.
- 180 interviews conducted with former students, campers and staff.
- 17 accused are deceased.
- Convictions linked to the investigation:
- Thomas Clower – arts faculty, convicted of criminal sexual conduct in 2005.
- Jeremy Eden – camp counselor, convicted in 1998.
- Tom Jalovec, Casey Fall, Jonathan Ciepiela – convicted for possession of child sexual abuse material (2007, 2020, 2024).
The full list of accused individuals has been turned over to the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
Timeline of Key Events
- Report released (Tuesday).
- June 26 – Appalachian State University issued a notice of intent to fire former music professor John Stanley Ross.
- July 8 – Ross’s resignation scheduled.
- July 28 – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced assistance for the Interlochen investigation.
Official Statements & Responses
Spokesperson Maureen Oleson said Interlochen has created an independent counseling fund overseen by therapist Mike Riley and will receive additional survivor reports through the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor, the Sheriff’s Office, or Michigan’s OK2Say portal.
Appalachian State University confirmed it shared relevant information with law-enforcement authorities and emphasized that the allegations against Ross did not involve conduct on its campus.
On-the-Ground Accounts
A survivor noted that the trauma led to loss of academic interest, ongoing PTSD, and, for some, abandonment of artistic careers.
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Matthew Curtis characterized the historic environment as “basically a free-for-all there,” arguing that repeated red flags were ignored.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The abuse described in the report is heartbreaking and is contrary to everything Interlochen stands for,” — Interlochen Center, President Trey Devey
- “It was basically a free-for-all there,” — Matthew Curtis, attorney
What’s Next
Interlochen has established a counseling fund administered by an independent third party and will accept new reports through October 2026 via Elizabeth Sanghavi (elizabeth@sanghavilawoffice.com) or the listed law-enforcement channels. Survivors and advocates are urging the Michigan Legislature to amend the statute of limitations that currently blocks many claims. Appalachian State University has pledged to review and strengthen its reporting and support procedures following the Ross investigation.
