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Convicted Pastor Faces 87 Months Behind Bars

Godfrey, Illinois – In a shocking turn of events, a respected Lutheran pastor has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography. Steven P. Tibbetts, 62, was found guilty of knowingly distributing the illicit material in December 2019.

Tibbetts’ crimes span over two decades, with evidence showing he began viewing and distributing child pornography in the 1990s and continued until his arrest in June 2020. The investigation revealed that while Tibbetts was on pre-trial release, additional devices containing child pornography were discovered in his home.

The disturbing content included 2,430 images and 408 videos of child pornography. Despite his position as a respected member of the community and head pastor at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Tibbetts was living a double life, the court noted.

The case was investigated by the FBI Springfield Division and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with significant assistance from the Peoria Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher R. Hoell and Karelia S. Rajagopal prosecuted the case.

Tibbetts will also face 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. He has been ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in some of the videos and photographs.

The harsh sentence serves as a reminder that those who prey on the most vulnerable will face severe consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to hold perpetrators accountable and shed light on the darkest corners of our society.

Key Facts

• State: Illinois
• Category: Sex Crimes
• Source: DOJ Press Release ↗

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