PEORIA (IL)
The Journal Star [Peoria IL]
October 9, 2025
By Zach Roth
A Peoria pastor was arrested Wednesday in Pekin on charges of disseminating harmful material to a juvenile.
Michael S. Ritchason, 47, a co-lead pastor at Riverside Community Church in Downtown Peoria, was arrested Wednesday after the Pekin Police Department investigated allegations that he had provided “harmful materials” to a juvenile.
According to the police department, they received evidence of an ongoing dissemination of the materials on Oct. 5. Their department of investigations began looking into the matter, which led to Ritchason’s arrest Wednesday.
In a statement, Riverside said that at his direction, Ritchason asked to be removed from his duties as lead pastor while he dealt with a “alleged serious matter.” They also said that their eldership team will make a further statement Sunday.
As of Thursday morning, Ritchason remained listed on Riverside’s website.
The case has now been referred to the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution.