More than 400 files of child pornography found in Westville man’s possession

DANVILLE, Ill. (WICS) — On October 16, Grant Pate, 26, formerly of Westville, Illinois, was sentenced to 14 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, a Class X felony.

Following his prison sentence, Pate must serve a term of mandatory supervised release, ranging from three years to life.

Evidence showed that between April and December 2023, Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations received reports from the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force regarding child pornography distributed by Grant Pate’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

The videos all feature sexual penetration between children and adults. Further investigation led to a search of Pate’s home and Pate stated to investigators that he had pornographic images of children on his cell phone.

Pate gave his phone to police and more than 400 files of child pornography were recovered. Pate also admitted to sharing child pornography on Facebook and Instagram.