Christopher man arrested on multiple felony charges following search warrant

CHRISTOPHER, Ill., (KBSI) — Christopher police officers and detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on E. Washington Street on Feb. 14, 2025, at approximately 6:20 a.m., resulting in the arrest of Ronald J. Ballheimer, 52, of Christopher.

Ballheimer was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Christopher Police Department for further interviews and processing. He was later confined at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges, including:

– Grooming, a Class 4 felony
– Sexual Exploitation of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor
– Unlawful Restraint, a Class 4 felony
– Battery, a Class A misdemeanor
– Sexual Conduct or Sexual Conduct with an Animal, a Class 3 felony
– Methamphetamine Possession, a Class 3 felony
– Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class 4 felony
– Aggravated Battery, a Class 3 felony
– Possession of Ammunition without a F.O.I.D Card, a Class A misdemeanor

The Christopher Police Department is withholding further details due to the ongoing investigation.

The department expressed gratitude to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police – Investigations Division, META Inc Platforms, and the Franklin County States Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.