Monongalia County man admits to child pornography charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond David Bates, of Morgantown West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Bates, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Bates admitted to having child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in July and August of 2019 in Monongalia County.

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. The FBI investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.