(IL)
25 News Now [Peoria, IL]
September 15, 2026
By Angeles Ponpa
Tazewell County’s chief prosecutor tells 25News a former pastor’s conviction for distributing harmful materials to a minor does not rise to the level under state law of requiring he register as a sex offender.
Former Riverside Community Church lead pastor Michael Ritchason was charged late last year and eventually pleaded guilty to the least serious Class 4 felony.
“The offense of Harmful Material is not a registrable offense under Illinois law,” said Tazewell County State’s Attorney Kevin Johnson in a statement to 25News.
Ritchason, 48, pled guilty Sept. 10 to distributing harmful materials to a minor after authorities said he sent graphic photos of himself to a minor through Snapchat.
Ritchason was placed on two years of sex offender probation, which includes six months in the county jail. However, he will have to serve only the first two months if he successfully completes sex offender treatment.
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