By Howard Packowitz
TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. (25 News) – A former pastor of Riverside Community Church in Peoria has pleaded guilty to distributing harmful materials to a minor, but he will not have to serve his entire jail sentence if he successfully completes treatment for sex offenders.
Michael Ritchason, who is 48, appeared before Tazewell County Judge Chris Doscotch on Thursday to plead guilty to the Class 4 felony. The charge was filed late last year.
Ritchason was placed on two years of sex offender probation, which includes six months in the county jail. However, Ritchason only has to serve the first two months if he successfully completes sex offender treatment and complies with other terms of his probation.
In a court document, Tazewell County prosecutors said Ritchason sent graphic photos of himself to a minor in a “lengthy” Snapchat thread.
Pekin Police arrested Ritchason on Oct. 8, 2025, and church elders directed him to resign as lead pastor in December of last year.
A court official said Ritchason is not required to register as a sex offender.
While his case was pending, Ritchason was released on conditions that included not having contact with the victim and allowing authorities to search his electronic devices and social media accounts.
(48-year-old Michael Ritchason)
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