Pastor charged for sending sexually graphic photos of himself to a minor on Snapchat – WIS

TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. (WEEK/Gray News) – Tazewell County prosecutors have formally charged a pastor for allegedly sending sexually graphic photographs of himself to a minor last summer. According to the state’s attorney’s office, Michael Ritchason, 48, has been charged with one count of distributing harmful material to a minor, a Class 4 felony. Ritchason was the lead pastor of Riverside Community Church, and he used to be an elementary school teacher and Pekin City Council member. Pekin police arrested Ritchason on Oct. 8, but they provided few details. On Monday, more information was released in a probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors. The court document details a “lengthy” Snapchat thread in which Ritchason allegedly sent graphic photographs of himself to the minor. Church officials said in October that Ritchason asked to be removed from all pastoral duties, and he was placed on leave while the criminal case is pending. On the church’s website, Ritchason is still listed as lead pastor, also noting he’s on leave. Ritchason is not in custody, according to Tazewell County Jail staff. Online records indicate the state has not filed a pretrial detention motion. Ritchason’s first court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2026. Copyright 2025
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