Radio Personality Sentenced to 25-50 Years for Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor in Michigan

Earlier this year, Christian radio personality John Balyo plead guilty to the rape of a 12-year-old boy. According to one news report, in mid-November he was sentenced by the judge presiding over the case. As a part of the sentencing procedure, the boy’s family was given an opportunity to speak to Balyo, telling him that they “think [he] should sit and rot in jail for the rest of [his] miserable life.”

According to court documents, back in July of this year Balyo admitted to filming sex acts between himself and the then 11-year-old boy in a Kalamazoo County hotel. After he admitted to the acts, he then pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the judge sentenced Balyo to a term of imprisonment between 25 and 50 years. In addition, the judge mandated that if Balyo is ever released in his lifetime that he report as a sex offender for the rest of his life and wear an electronic monitoring device.

As it turns out, Balyo is also facing unrelated charges of criminal exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. He is supposed to go to trial on these charges later this year.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in Michigan Charges alleging that a person engaged in criminal sexual conduct are some of the most serious a person can face in the State of Michigan. When the victim is a minor, the charges are even more serious.

In some cases, a person may be facing an effective life sentence if he or she is convicted of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. Even if the sentence is only for a term of years, the collateral consequences of a criminal sexual conduct conviction can be devastating on the remainder of a person’s life.

For example, anyone convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Michigan may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. In addition, a conviction for this type of offense can—and likely will—prevent a person from obtaining certain housing, jobs, and other government benefits.

If you have been charged with the crime of criminal sexual content in the State of Michigan, you should speak with a dedicated Michigan criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Are You in Need of a Defense Attorney? If you have recently been charged with a serious criminal offense in Michigan, such as criminal sexual content, you should speak with Attorney Steven Schwartz about your case. Attorney Schwartz has ample experience defending clients against all kinds of criminal offenses, including criminal sexual conduct. While it is never easy to face serious criminal charges, having an ally on your side that knows the law and will fight for your freedom is invaluable at this crucial time in your life. Call (240) 930-5019 to set up a free initial consultation with Attorney Schwartz today.

More Articles

• Previously Convicted Michigan Sex Offender Allegedly Exposes Himself to a 14-Year-Old Boy, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published October 15, 2014.
• Michigan Man Crashes into “Drive Sober” Sign, Arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published September 30, 2014.