Former Christian radio host John Balyo was sentenced to 40 years in prison for sex crimes that involved children.
Before Balyo was arrested he was a well-liked morning program host on 91.3 WCSG, which described itself as a "family-friendly" and "commercial-free" station.
The ex-radio host was arrested in June and charged with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, reported Inquisitr.
It was revealed that Balyo sexually abused an 11-year-old boy he purchased through a website specializing in arranging sexual encounters between adult men and minor boys, on at least three occasions, Inquisitr reported.
Balyo's home was searched after his arrest. Authorities found a collection of child pornography, photos of Balyo with an anatomically correct child-size mannequin and a "bondage kit" - including chains, duct tape, handcuffs, nylon rope and rubber gloves, reported Inquisitr.
In August, when Balyo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tessa K. Hessmiller detailed the complexity of the defendant's crimes in her sentencing memorandum:
"Balyo operated under the radar, living a double life. On the outside, he was a law-abiding, charitable, upstanding citizen. He was able to gain people's trust, leading no one to suspect anything was amiss... underneath the surface, he was feeding a morbid and sadistic fascination with children."
During Balyo's most recent sentencing Judge Robert Holmes Bell also acknowledged Balyo's double life, stating "there's the Christian man with a reputation as a value-driven individual... but there is something else going on that is troubling... filthy, obscene."
Bell proceded to sentence Balyo to a minimum 25 years for sexual exploitation of a child and a minimum of 15 years for possession of child pornography, reported Inquisitr. The sentences will run consecutively, so Balyo is looking at 40 years behind bars.
