TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – A man who served as lead pastor at a Peoria church and held positions in local government and education now faces a felony charge for allegedly sending explicit content to a minor.
25 News reports that Michael Ritchason, 48, has been charged with distributing harmful material to a minor, a Class 4 felony, according to the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Ritchason served as lead pastor at Riverside Community Church in Peoria and has a history in public service, having previously worked as an elementary school teacher and served on the Pekin City Council.
Pekin Police took Ritchason into custody on October 8, 2025, but released limited information about the case at that time.
According to 25 News, court filings released Monday provide additional details. A probable cause affidavit describes an extended series of Snapchat messages between Ritchason and a minor, which allegedly included explicit photographs Ritchason sent of himself.
In October, Ritchason requested removal from his pastoral responsibilities at Riverside Community Church and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Jail records show Ritchason is not being held in custody. Prosecutors have not requested pretrial detention.
His initial court appearance is set for January 29, 2026.
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