Rushville, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Rushville man and former State of Illinois employee has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for distribution of child pornography, while working in a facility with sexually violent offenders.

Schuyler County Court records indicate Billy R. Ruple, Jr., 45, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography.  Ten other felony counts were dismissed in exchange.  Ruple was given credit for 242 days served in the Schuyler County Jail, and will have to serve three years on probation when he’s released.

Ruple was arrested and taken to jail March 20.  According to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, authorities searched Ruple’s home that month and “evidence of child sexual abuse material was discovered.”  He was employed at the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Rushville Treatment and Detention Facility, which the office says houses people who “have been convicted of a sexually violent offense and suffer from a mental disorder” to be held there.

“Today, a dangerous individual has been held accountable for exploiting children,” said Chuck Laegler, Schuyler County State’s Attorney, in a news release.  “This outcome reflects the unwavering dedication of the Illinois State Police, and Illinois Attorney General’s Office…my team at the Schuyler County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rushville Police Department.  Our collaborative efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that those who traffic in child sexual abuse material are brought to justice.”

According to court records, a judge denied Ruple’s request to be placed on electronic monitoring, and also for a stay of the sentence.

The Attorney General says child sexual exploitation can be reported online through cybertipline.com, while child abuse can be reported through the Department of Children and Family Services.