Champaign, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A former local entertainment manager known as “DJ Slim” has been sentenced to 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a child sex crime conviction.
29-year-old Dante J. Scott, once affiliated with the Champaign Public Library and The Beat summer youth program, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to one count of reproducing child pornography involving a victim under 13.
The case began in September 2024 when Illinois State Police received multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to Scott’s arrest. He was initially charged with eight counts of child pornography and later, an additional grooming charge—each classified as a Class X felony.
Investigators found sexually explicit online messages between Scott and an 11-year-old child. Authorities say he attempted to lure the child into sending nude images during a conversation in November 2023.
Scott pleaded not guilty to all charges in September 2024 and requested a jury trial. However, on April 3, 2025, he entered a plea deal, admitting guilt to one count. As part of the agreement, the state dropped eight other charges and two unrelated cases, including one involving driving on a suspended license.
Scott received credit for 344 days already served and was ordered to pay $2,139 in fines. He must also submit DNA samples as part of his sentencing.
The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office has not yet issued further comment on the case.
