Grand Rapids Radio: John Balyo Pleads Guilty

John Balyo

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, according to mlive.com.

“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.”

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 91.3 FM spoke in a soft voice during the hearing.

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

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