WSMV Channel 4 Perry County man accused in internet child porn ring

Perry County man accused in internet child porn ring

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Reported by Alan Frio - email
Michael Bates Michael Bates
LINDEN, TN (WSMV) -

A Middle Tennessee man is accused of running an internet child pornography ring dating back to 1994.

Investigators believe that many more victims will be coming forward as the case continues to unravel. And the Perry County Sheriff's Department is no longer involved in the investigation going forward because some of the alleged victims have ties to the department.

Authorities say Michael Bates bought Xbox gaming consoles and computers for boys in order to gain their trust and lure them into his home.

"What we believe he started was a game called 'the brotherhood,' where he would prey on young boys and buy them toys," said Perry County Chief Deputy Nick Weems.

Bates was arrested at his Lobelville home Tuesday by investigators with the 21st Judicial District, which includes Perry County.

He was briefly booked at the sheriff's office and then taken to the Williamson County Jail for his own protection. He is being held on $375,000 bond on five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Some of the alleged victims were neighbors.

"It's devastating. You never know who your neighbor is," Weems said.

Bates' cousin, also a Lobelville resident, said she was shocked when she heard news of the arrest.

"When it hits that close to home, you just don't really believe it," cousin Frieda Davis said. "He stayed close to himself most of the time. I'd see him talking to some of the grown boys sometimes, or there would be kids on bicycles stopping to talk him."

Investigators searched Bates' home last week, and they apparently took some evidence with them.

It is believed all of the accusations stayed under the radar for so long because of intimidation.

"The reason I think they held it to themselves for so long is for the simple fact of embarrassment or could be intimidation," Weems said.

Anyone who has information into the case should contact the Perry County Sheriff's Office, who will get them in touch with investigators.

The district attorney for the 21st Judicial District would not release any further details on the case, citing the continuing investigation.

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