Raymond David Bates, Possession of Child Pornography, West Virginia 2023

A disturbing case of child exploitation has come to light in Monongalia County, West Virginia, as a local man has admitted to possessing child pornography.

Raymond David Bates, a 43-year-old resident of Morgantown, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of "Possession of Child Pornography" in a federal court.

The FBI investigated the case, which involved child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in July and August of 2019.

Bates faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government, with U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi presiding over the proceedings.

This case highlights the importance of addressing child exploitation and the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable members of our society.

The consequences of child pornography possession are severe and can have a lasting impact on victims and their families.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/monongalia-county-man-admits-child-pornography-charge