Photo of Zachary Whaley
“He lied like he was breathing—weaponizing trauma to manipulate the trust of people who dedicate their lives to healing and protection,” said Tashmica Torok, activist.
LANSING, MI — A Lansing man faces several felony charges over alleged online communications with a child.
Zachary Whaley, 34, was arrested for child sexually abusive activity, two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. “Digital evidence” was seized from his home, Michigan State Police said.
He was arraigned on Tuesday in the 54A District Court.
Police began investigating Whaley after a parent reported concerns with their child.
Local activist and co-founder of Firecracker Foundation, took to Facebook to comment about Whaley.
What continues to hit Torok hardest is the number of messages she has received from people saying that Zack used her name—and everything he had learned from her and her community—to re-enter relationships where he had previously caused harm. Torok expressed gratitude to those who have reassured her that they do not blame her, though she still carries deep sorrow. In a recent Popaganda episode discussing the show Anatomy of Lies, she reflected on how people who lie about themselves so profoundly force those who have been in relationship with them to reshuffle every memory.
For Torok, that process began in 2022 when a friend helped uncover past harm Zack had kept hidden—harm that was not necessarily criminal, but still significant enough that she believes she should have been informed. “There was just never a good time to tell you. Do you want me to tell you now?” he said when confronted. She noted that they had spent countless hours in Restorative Justice Circles—spaces built on trust, honesty, and healing. He had ample opportunity to be honest.
Torok said she does not compel people to tell the truth, but instead prioritizes trust-building and listening—believing that survivors should be able to share their stories on their own terms. She fully disconnected from Zack in 2022, though she kept distant tabs on his public activity. As more information surfaced, she said she never imagined the depth or reach of his deception. “If you are carrying guilt or shame about not knowing, not doing more, or not seeing it sooner—please, lay that at his feet,” she urged. Torok now finds herself reshuffling what she once thought were safe memories into moments marked by risk and manipulation. His proximity to her, she said, likely gave others the false sense that he was trustworthy. As difficult as it is to reckon with this reality, Torok emphasized that the experiences others endured were real and undeserved—and that healing must begin with self-compassion.
