Decatur Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors

URBANA, Ill. – A Decatur, Illinois, man, Kevin Dial, 52, of the 5100th block of Hickory Point Frontage Road, was sentenced on April 5, 2024, to 50 years imprisonment for sexual exploitation of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Dial directed the sexual abuse of three minors, including a two-year-old child, and ordered that the abuse be recorded. The government also presented a statement by one of the victims detailing the trauma he suffered because of the sexual abuse he endured at the order of Dial.

During the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Colin S. Bruce described Dial’s actions as “horrific,” noting the defendant had destroyed the lives of his victims. The Court further described this case as one of the worst cases that had come before him.

Dial was convicted following a three-day jury trial in October of 2023.

At sentencing, Dial faced statutory penalties of 15 to 30 years imprisonment on each count of the sexual exploitation of his children and up to 20 years for receiving and possessing child pornography. Those penalties could be imposed to be served consecutively, which the Court chose to do.

“The acts by this defendant are beyond comprehension.” said United States Attorney Gregory K. Harris, “We commend the complex work done locally and abroad by the dedicated law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us and seek justice for these innocent victims.”

“From Decatur, Illinois, to the Philippines, the FBI’s extensive reach delivered justice to children who were victims of one of the worst child sexual abuse cases we have seen in some time,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “The investigation, which resulted in a significant sentence, demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to use the full strength of our authority to protect children.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Philippine National Police, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Ritzer and Nathan Bertrand represented the government in the prosecution.