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Johnson County Officer Sentenced to Life Terms for Child Porn

9/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Daniel Joseph Bates, former Johnson County officer, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for child pornography.
He also received a concurrent 40-year term after a jury convicted him of online solicitation of a minor.
Bates was arrested after messaging a decoy who posed as a 15-year-old girl.
A civilian group operating the decoy sent his messages to local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers.

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Story summary

Daniel Joseph Bates, former Johnson County officer, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for child pornography.
He also received a concurrent 40-year term after a jury convicted him of online solicitation of a minor.
Bates was arrested after messaging a decoy who posed as a 15-year-old girl.
A civilian group operating the decoy sent his messages to local law enforcement and the Texas Rangers.