A district judge sentenced a registered sex offender to 35 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to distributing child pornography and obscene material to a minor.
Edward J. Bates, 57, most recently of Olney, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of distribution of child pornography, two counts of attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and one count of offense by a registered sex offender. Following imprisonment, Bates will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
“The only thing worse than child sex offenses is an armed repeat offender,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This 35-year sentence underscores our commitment to seeking the most significant sentences possible for those who endanger kids.”
According to court documents, Bates distributed child pornography in Richland County on January 26, 2022. In April 2023, he transferred sexually explicit material to a 10-year-old minor. On June 4, 2024, Bates was found in possession of two firearms and ammunition as a felon.
Bates was previously convicted of two separate child pornography offenses and was therefore required to register as a sex offender. The Government seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.
The Richland County, Illinois, Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.
Gov. Pritzker announces expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIU - Edwardsville
2026 Illinois State Fairs' attendance tops 1 million for second consecutive year
Lawrence County Board to host budget hearing
INDOT announcing Lincoln Memorial Bridge closure
Lawrenceville Police active over the weekend with two arrests
Another fatal accident in Wabash County
Lawrenceville approves water system contract changes and new ordinances
Burn ban issued for Lawrence and Richland Counties
IDHS warns against disaster assistance fraud
Richland County Illinois man sentenced on federal child porn charges
Illinois taking action to assist farmers during harvest season
Lawrence County Veterans Assistance Commission discusses superintendent hiring
Applications open for Indiana's Advanced Nuclear Ready Communities Program
Knox County approves solar setback ordinance on first reading
One killed in Wabash County pedestrian accident
Grain marketing company completes Jasper County expansion
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital adds new administrative position
USPS schedule for weekend into Columbus Day
