MICHIGAN: Christian Radio Host John Balyo Confesses To Rape Of Second Child

Cornerstone University radio host John Balyo was arrested last month after federal investigators connected him to the rape of an 11 year-old boy. Today Balyo confessed to a second rape. Via the Detroit Free Press:

Former WCSG radio host John Richard Balyo admitted today that he and a second man handcuffed a 12-year-old boy to a motel bed, sexually abused him and took nine photos during the April encounter. "I did take images of a child and they were sexually explicit involving bondage and nudity,'' Balyo admitted today in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. "I performed sex acts as described. I knew it was wrong.'' Balyo and Ronald Lee Moser paid the boy for his involvement in the April 19th assault. His hands and feet were handcuffed and he was tied to the bed, according to courtroom statements today. While bound, Balyo took nine photos of the boy, first in his underwear and then naked. The boy's family wept in the back of the sixth floor courtroom as details of the assault were told to Magistrate Ellen Carmody during today's plea hearing.

In exchange for today's confession and guilty plea, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office will not file additional charges that may arise from the continuing investigation. Balyo faces life in prison on the first case and up to 50 years for the second. Cornerstone University requires its students to sign a "lifestyle pledge" that they will not engage in "every form of immorality, including immoral sexual behavior, homosexuality, lying, stealing and cheating." (Tipped by JMG reader Lynda)

MICHIGAN: Cornerstone University Radio Host Busted For Child Molestation

Federal investigators have arrested a radio host for the private Christian college, Cornerstone University, on charges of child molestation. Charges related to the production of child pornography are expected to be added.

John Balyo, 35, of Caledonia was arrested in Gaylord as part of a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Battle Creek Police Department and Michigan State Police. Balyo, an on-air personality at WCSG-FM, a Christian radio station associated with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, was arrested on a state charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to Khaalid Walls, a spokesman for ICE. Walls said Friday investigators are alleging that Balyo had sexual encounters with minors in Battle Creek. ICE said in a statement that Balyo paid a Battle Creek man, Ronald Moser, 42, to arrange sexual encounters with underage children.

The university responded this morning.

WCSG general manager Chris Lemke urged listeners on Monday, June 23, to pray for former host John Balyo, his family, co-workers and alleged victims after Balyo was accused of paying for sexual encounters with children. “God’s people will not lose heart,” Lemke told listeners. He said the criminal allegations, reported late last week, have left staff in grief. Balyo's morning co-host, Amanda, is taking this week off, but will return next week. “And, we know you may be hurting as well,” Lemke told listeners. “Yet, we have hope.” He said that a listener outpouring of support, in text messages and emails to the station, have buoyed Balyo’s co-workers, who were in disbelief after hearing the allegations. Lemke asked for prayers for all who have been hurt by the allegations, especially the victims. “We pray for John. We pray for his bride and new stepson,” he said.

Dan Savage reacts:

I've never heard of this guy, his radio station, or his "Family Friendly Morning Radio Show." But I have heard of Cornerstone University, which requires students to sign a "Lifestyle Statement" that forbids “every form of immorality, including immoral sexual behavior, homosexuality, lying, stealing and cheating.” So odds are good that Balyo's schtick as a Christian radio show host included condemning the "gay lifestyle" and painting LGBT people and families as a threat to children. Cornerstone, which expels gay students, has placed Baylo on paid administrative leave.