James E. Deates, aged 29 from Sterling, has been detained on serious charges. Authorities report he was found residing and loitering as a child sex offender within 500 feet of a playground on the 900 Block of W. 6th Street. Additionally, Deates faces charges of domestic battery. The arrest that took place at 6:03 PM on Saturday, April 19th, 2025. As part of his bond conditions, Deates has been transported to The Whiteside County Jail.
Charges listed below are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.