Gospel Radio DJ Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
John Balyo on Friday was arrested on charges of criminal sexual conduct following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Baylo, 35, is an on-air personality at Gaylord’s Family Christian Radio station, WCSG. He was arrested at the Big Ticket Festival, a faith-based festival in Gaylord, Michigan. The Big Ticket Festival is a ministry of White Stone Project, a Michigan nonprofit corporation whose focus is sharing the eternal message of Jesus Christ through innovative evangelism.
HSI special agents and officers with the Michigan State Police and Battle Creek Police Department arrested Baylo on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to the investigation, Baylo allegedly paid a defendant, who is the subject of a separate HSI child-exploitation investigation, to arrange sexual encounters with minor victims. Further details about the investigation are being withheld pending the defendant’s appearance in court to answer to the charges.
“This past Friday, the WCSG family was shocked and saddened to learn that WCSG morning show host, John Balyo, was arrested amid allegations which have since been much publicized. On Saturday, WCSG and Cornerstone University ended its affiliation with John,” Chris Lemke, executive director of Cornerstone University Radio, WCSG and Mission Network News said in a statement on the WCSG website.
“We sincerely grieve over these recent events, in particular the tragic impact on victims and their parents. The WCSG family is deeply aching and know you may be hurting as well. We know that no one, absolutely no one, is immune from falling into the darkness of sin. And yet, we have hope. Those who truly follow and live for Jesus Christ know He alone has the power to restore broken lives and broken trust.
“In that light, I want you, our radio family, to know that more than ever WCSG exists to serve as a Christ-centered influence through compelling content, relevant platforms and compassionate relationships. Our vision is to be the encouraging, engaging and equipping media influence for Christ, his church and his kingdom, here in West Michigan. Over the next few weeks, we request you to pray in earnest for John, his family, our team here at WCSG, that God’s people will not lose heart, and, most certainly for the victims related to the allegations.”
This investigation was conducted under HSI’s Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 10,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2013, HSI special agents arrested over 2,000 individuals under this initiative.
