By: Angeles Ponpa (25 News)
PEKIN, Ill. (25 News) – A Tazewell County judge ordered the conditional release Thursday of a former Riverside Community Church lead pastor accused of sending explicit images to a child.
25 News reports that Michael Ritchason faced the court with numerous church members present in the gallery. Prosecutors chose not to request his detention.
Authorities allege Ritchason transmitted sexually explicit photographs of himself to a juvenile last summer. He was charged in December 2025.
The judge’s release order requires Ritchason to submit his phones, tablets and social media accounts for inspection by pretrial services. He is also prohibited from any contact with the alleged victim.
Ritchason and his legal counsel declined to comment to 25 News following the hearing.
Comments