A registered sex offender from Olney, Illinois, has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to several new crimes involving children. Edward J. Bates, 57, admitted to distributing child pornography and obscene material to a minor, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms.
Bates 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. After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for the remainder 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 documents show that Bates distributed child pornography in Richland County on January 26, 2022. In April 2023, he sent sexually explicit material to a 10-year-old minor. 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 involved cooperation between 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.
