By Kyle Jackson
On Thursday, Sept. 3, Austin Michael Hapner, a 20-year-old Grand Valley State University student who had previously taken education courses at Grand Rapids Community College, was arraigned on nine felony counts, three counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, three counts of aggravated distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, and three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, connected to two separate West Michigan daycare centers where he was employed. His offenses date as far back as May 2025. One center was Gro Childcare Academy in Grand Rapids, and the other was Grand Valley State University’s Children’s Enrichment Center.
The Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was informed about Hapner by Homeland Security Investigations, who in turn received their information from law enforcement in Norway on August 31.
According to documents filed by investigators, Norwegian authorities gained access to logs from the messaging app Signal that depicted child sexually abusive materials and conversations about abusing children.
According to Wood TV 8 reports, police said Hapner was confirmed to be a user, with him commenting about his access to, and abuse toward children, with the document alleging that he shared videos of said abuse on the app.
In an interview with TV 8, police said that, when arrested, Hapner admitted to abusing 20 children at the two daycare centers, offering full names of the victims. He also claimed to have created child sexual abuse content. These claims are currently being investigated.
When searching Hapner’s electronic devices, authorities reported finding “hundreds” of sexually explicit child abuse pictures and videos.
Michigan State Police released a post on X stating that the investigation is still ongoing.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and the ages of those involved, limited information is available for release at this time,” the post read. “Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews, while ensuring appropriate notifications are made to those potentially affected. The participating agencies are working collaboratively to ensure the investigation is conducted thoroughly and that the privacy and well-being of those involved are protected. Additional information will be released when it can be provided without compromising the ongoing investigation or the privacy of those involved.”
On the provided list of law enforcement agencies working on the case in the post, GRCCPD is not mentioned. The Collegiate attempted to contact GRCCPD for a comment, however, GRCCPD did not respond.
MSP later posted a follow-up message, encouraging the parents of children attending either of the daycare centers to contact investigators.
“At this time, Hapner’s employment at either daycare facility, by itself, does not indicate that criminal activity occurred at either location. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances and interactions involving Hapner during his employment at those facilities,” the post read. “Parents or guardians whose children had contact with Hapner at either daycare facility, as well as anyone who may have information regarding Hapner’s interactions with children at other locations, are encouraged to contact investigators.”
Upon his arrest, Gro Childcare Academy released a statement to News 8 addressing the issue.
“We were shocked and deeply disturbed to learn of the allegations involving a former employee. The alleged conduct is completely contrary to our mission and to the trust families place in us to care for their children,” the statement said. “Our immediate focus is supporting the children and families we serve, while assisting authorities in their investigation. Because this is an active law enforcement investigation and involves the privacy of children, we are unable to provide additional details at this time.”
The Collegiate asked GRCC administrators about Hapner’s time at GRCC on Friday, Sept. 4 and received a copy of an email statement that GRCC President Kathryn Rogalski sent to staff and faculty.
“I’m writing to provide you with information about yesterday’s deeply toubling news involving allegations of child sexual abuse at two daycare centers in West Michigan. The individual identified in the investigation is a former GRCC student who was enrolled in our education program. The allegations being reported are traumatic, and our thoughts are with the children and families impacted,” the statement said. “We have been made aware that this investigation currently does not relate to any occurrences involving GRCC, and we have not been contacted by law enforcement.”
The email stated that GRCC’s education program takes measures to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
“I want to reassure you about the safeguards we have in place. GRCC education students who are learning and gaining experience in the Early Childhood Learning Lab (ECLL) are not permitted to be alone with children and are always supervised. Additionally, GRCC faculty, staff and students are required to complete a comprehensive background check before being placed in the ECLL. The safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care is our highest priority.”
President Rogalski also offered resources to students, faculty and staff impacted by the news.
”We recognize that news of this nature can affect members of our community in different ways. Support is available through GRCC’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being for students, and faculty and staff can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.”
GRCC officials did not release information about whether or not Hapner participated in GRCC’s Early Childhood Learning Lab or if he had any contact with children during his time at GRCC.
The Collegiate reached out to GRCC’s Education Department, but did not hear back.
GVSU President Philomena Mantella sent out a campus-wide email Thursday about Hapner’s arrest, stating that she finds the news “both terrifying and heartbreaking” for the families of the victims and that GVSU is temporarily shutting down the Children’s Enrichment Center.
“I want you to understand that my priorities right now are for Grand Valley to do everything in our power to provide care to those impacted, support our community as we all work through this trauma, heal, and see that justice is served,” the email stated.
“We are working closely with the Michigan State Police and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, who are leading the ongoing investigation. While I wish we could share more, out of respect for the families involved, and to protect the integrity of the investigation as information unfolds, we can’t share any more detail at this time,” the email continued.
President Mantella also provided resources for GVSU students and staff, along with outside resources.
“Lakers, this is a difficult day that will sadly be followed by many more as these cases continue moving forward,” Mantella said. “Hold one another close.”
As of today, Hapner is currently detained at the Kent County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
If you have any information to provide regarding this case, contact MSP Detective Trooper Specialist Mark Fisher at 616-866-4411 or at fisherm7@michigan.gov.
Collegiate Editor Ari’ Browley contributed to this story.
