(MARION) An area man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after he admitted to several crimes. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft reports 57 year old Edward J. Bates, most recently of Olney, pleaded guilty to felony possession of a firearm, to distribution of child pornography, to attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and to an offense by a registered sex offender. Weinhoeft says the sentence underscores the U.S. Attorney’s Southern Illinois office’s commitment to seeking the most significant sentences for those who endanger children.
