John Richard Balyo, Child Exploitation, Michigan 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - Former local radio host John Richard Balyo has pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child pornography.

Balyo, a resident of Grand Rapids, faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, up to a maximum of 50 years, and must register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell will determine the final sentence and the amount owed in restitution at a later hearing. His plea agreement requires his full cooperation in other federal, state, or county investigations. He also agreed to forfeit computers, photographic equipment, the contents of a storage unit, and material used to sexually abuse or exploit children.

The charges against Balyo stem from a meeting he had with another adult and a 12-year-old boy in Kalamazoo on April 19, 2014. Balyo rented a hotel room where he took sexually explicit photographs of the boy, including some involving bondage with the child in handcuffs. Balyo engaged in sexual conduct with the child and took photographs on both his cell phone and a camera. At the end, Balyo paid the child cash and left. He possessed these images and others on various devices, including a computer.

Balyo was arrested by Calhoun County on June 20, 2014, where he still faces charges for criminal sexual conduct. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at Balyo’s residence that same day and later searched a storage unit where they found additional material relating to child abuse and sexual exploitation. HSI and MSP later discovered that Balyo had concealed his computer and other belongings with an acquaintance shortly before his arrest.

“Individuals who prey upon children and create sexually graphic images will be found, and they will be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick Miles, Jr. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in West Michigan and our state and federal partners are dedicated to the protection of children. These child predators should know that taking a single illegal picture exploiting a child means at least 15 years in a federal prison. They could also forfeit the computers, cameras, and even the houses that are used to sexually exploit children. We are committed to securing restitution for the victims to pay for the cost of medical care, counseling, and potential loss of income,”

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney's Office; county prosecutor's offices; the Michigan State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC); the West Michigan Based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX); and federal, state, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2014_0728_JBalyo.html