An Ellwood City man has pled guilty to the production and attempted production of child pornography.

According to a press release, between July and October of 2020, 63-year-old David Bates along with another unnamed individual coerced a minor to engage in sexual conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions of it.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3.

Bates could be sentenced to a between 15 and 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Bates will remain detained as he awaits his sentencing.

The FBI conducted the investigation leading to Bates' prosecution.