Former Christian radio host John Balyo admits sex with boy, 12: 'I knew it was wrong'

By John Agar
MLive
July 29, 2014

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2014/07/former_christian_radio_host_jo_1.html

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Former Christian radio host John Balyo admitted Tuesday, July 29, that he photographed sex acts with a 12-year-old boy at a Kalamazoo County hotel.

The child was held to the bed in restraints.

“I performed a sexual act as described and I knowingly possessed the images on my camera,” Balyo, 34, of Caledonia, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody.

“I knew it was wrong.”

Balyo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, crimes that could put him away for up to 50 years.

Police in Kalamazoo County are investigating the assault of the 12-year-old boy, which could lead to additional state charges, U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles Jr. said after Balyo’s plea hearing in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids.

Balyo faces a state charge of first-degree criminal-sexual conduct involving an 11-year-old boy in Calhoun County. Police alleged that Balyo paid Ronald Moser of Battle Creek to set up the sexual encounters.

Moser, 42, apparently got Balyo’s attention after he allegedly posted photos of a young boy bound to a bed. Moser was indicted on two counts of sexual exploitation of children, as well as counts of possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography, records show.

Balyo, a former morning show host for WCSG, a Christian station based in Grand Rapids, spoke in a soft voice during the hearing.

He looked to the court’s gallery only once. Shackled, in an orange jail jumpsuit, he looked back at a woman as he was led from court. He quickly looked away.

Another woman wept.

Balyo is jailed without bond. He faces at least 15 years in prison, and up to 50, when sentenced in November.

U.S. Homeland Security Investigators say a search of Balyo’s storage unit in Plainfield Township contained a “bondage kit” that included handcuffs, duct tape and children’s socks. Investigators also allegedly recovered magazines and articles about missing children, children's obituaries and a publication that talked about erotic photography.

Balyo, who married earlier this year, had worked eight years at WCSG. The station is run by Cornerstone University.

Balyo was fired shortly after his June 20 arrest in Gaylord at a Christian music festival.

Balyo paid the boy he sexually assaulted in Kalamazoo County, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa Hessmiller said.

She said the victim’s hands and feet were held by handcuffs, and he was tied to the bed with restraints. Photos showed the child “bound in a sadist and masochist” manner.

Balyo, represented by attorney David A. Dodge, told the judge he intended to cooperate, which is required under his plea agreement.

Miles, the U.S. Attorney, said after the hearing he was surprised how quickly the federal case progressed. Balyo reached a plea deal last week before prosecutors brought the case to a grand jury. He entered the guilty pleas at his initial appearance in federal court.

Miles said that if Balyo is convicted of state charges, too, he might never leave prison. Judges would decide whether his sentences would be served consecutively or concurrently.