MICHIGAN
WZZM
Bob Brenzing and Christopher Zoladz, WZZM
GAYLORD, Mich. (WZZM) — A WCSG Family Christian Radio personality has been arrested on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
35-year-old John Balyo of Caledonia, was arrested Friday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with officers from Michigan State Police and the Battle Creek Police Department.
Authorities say Balyo allegedly paid another person, who is a defendant in another child exploitation case, to arrange for sexual encounters with minor victims. Further details are being withheld until Balyo appears in court.
Authorities say the investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators.
WCSG general manager Chris Lemke released the following statement Friday afternoon: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the arrest and allegations against John Balyo, WCSG morning radio host. He has been put on indefinite paid administrative leave pending further investigation and the legal process. Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the investigation.”
Below is a news release from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department:
HSI arrests gospel radio DJ on criminal sexual conduct charges
GAYLORD, Mich. – A Caladonia man was arrested Friday on state charges of criminal sexual conduct following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children.
HSI special agents and officers with the Michigan State Police and Battle Creek Police Department arrested John Baylo, 35, Friday, without incident on state charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Baylo is an on-air personality at Grand Rapid’s Family Christian Radio station, WCSG.
According to the investigation, Baylo allegedly paid a defendant, who is the subject of a separate HSI child-exploitation investigation, to arrange sexual encounters with minor victims. Further details about the investigation are being withheld pending the defendant’s appearance in court to answer to the charges.
A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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