Alton Man Sentenced to 74 Years for Child Sexual Assault

After pleading guilty to multiple counts in Madison County, Welch receives a lengthy prison term for crimes involving his own infant child.

Mar 24, 2026 11:28 AM Mar 24, 2026 11:41 AM

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Nathan Welch of Alton.

EDWARDSVILLE — Nathan Welch, of Alton, was sentenced Monday, March 24, 2026, to 74 years in prison after pleading guilty in Madison County Circuit Court to three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of child pornography.

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Welch entered his guilty plea on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, before Associate Judge Ryan Jumper. He admitted to three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, classified as Class X enhanced felonies, and two counts of child pornography, also Class X felonies.

Welch faced up to 90 years in prison. Jumper handed down the 74-year sentence.

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Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine praised the prosecution team, including Assistant State’s Attorney Ali Foley, chief of the Children’s Justice Division, and Assistant State’s Attorney Rebecca Buettner, who is also assigned to the division.

According to court documents, Welch committed acts of sexual contact with his own infant child between March 2 and June 12, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to producing and disseminating child pornography involving his child.

The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip about child pornography being shared through the Kik messaging application.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Edwardsville Police Department conducted the investigation.

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