THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE RELEASE
On October 16, 2024, Grant Pate (DOB: 1/20/1998), formerly of Westville, Illinois, was sentenced to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a plea of guilty to Dissemination of Child Pornography, a class X felony. Following his prison sentence, Pate must serve a term of mandatory supervised release from 3 years to life.
Judge Robert McIntire heard evidence that Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations received reports from the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force of child pornography being disseminated by accounts belonging to Grant Pate, on Facebook and Instagram, between April and December of 2023. The videos all contained acts of sexual penetration between children and adults. Further investigation led to a search of Pate’s home and Pate stated to investigators that he did have pornographic images of children on his cell phone. Pate provided his phone to police and over 400 files of child pornography were recovered. Pate also admitted that he has shared child pornography on Facebook and Instagram.
State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy expressed her appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Illinois State Police in combating the exploitation of children. She added, “My office will continue to seek strong sentences for criminals who put vulnerable children in harm’s way.”
