PEORIA, Ill. – The lead pastor of Peoria’s Riverside Community Church has stepped down after being formally charged with distributing harmful material to a minor.
Church elders on Sunday decided 48-year-old Michael Ritchason needed to resign. They received his resignation Monday morning.
(25 News)Riverside Community Church made the announcement on its Facebook page.
“In an effort to communicate clearly and keep you informed, we are aware that formal charges against Pastor Michael were made public on December 23rd. With this unfortunate news, and after much prayer, we have had to make the decision to let Michael go. On Sunday, December 28th, the elders determined that Riverside would require Michael’s resignation, and we received it on Monday morning. In the best interest of the church, we will be moving forward with the process of formally appointing a new Lead Pastor. Please join us as we continue to pray for all involved as they walk through this extremely difficult and painful season.”
The Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Ritchason with a Class 4 felony on Dec. 22.
In a probable cause affidavit, prosecutors said Ritchason sent graphic photos of himself to a minor in a “lengthy” Snapchat thread.
Pekin Police arrested Ritchason on Oct. 8. Later that month, church officials said Ritchason asked to be removed from all pastoral duties, and he was placed on leave.
As of Tuesday night, Ritchason was no longer listed on Riverside’s website.
Prosecutors have not yet filed a motion for Ritchason to be jailed pending his case’s outcome.
According to 25 News, If convicted, Ritchason faces up to three years in prison. He could also be given probation and time in the county jail.
Ritchason’s first court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 29.
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