A registered sex offender from Olney, Illinois, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after admitting to distributing child pornography and sending obscene material to a minor. Edward J. Bates, 57, pleaded guilty to several charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, distribution of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and committing an offense as a registered sex offender.
Following his prison term, 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.”
Court records show that Bates distributed child pornography in Richland County on January 26, 2022. In April 2023, he sent sexually explicit material to a ten-year-old child. On June 4, 2024, authorities found him with two firearms and ammunition despite his status as a convicted felon.
Bates had previously been convicted twice for child pornography offenses and was required to register as a sex offender. Law enforcement seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a .38 caliber revolver, and ammunition during the investigation.
The case was investigated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.
