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ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A former Army sergeant first class who pleaded guilty at court-martial to producing child sexual abuse material remains charged with serious Illinois felonies. Military records referenced allegations involving multiple minors and recorded misconduct. Yet months after his military conviction, his state case now sits without a court date and without defense counsel of record.
Six months after Bledsoe was sentenced at general court-martial to 18 months of confinement and a dishonorable discharge, the Rock Island County docket reflects no attorney currently entered on his behalf and no future pretrial setting.
Public court records show that Bledsoe remains charged with six felony counts, including four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felonies) and two Class X felony counts related to child sexual abuse material. No plea has been entered in the Illinois case. No dismissal has been filed. No disposition appears on the record.
The case remains open.
Beginning January 5, 2026, The Salty Soldier submitted multiple written requests for comment to the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking clarification on whether prosecution would proceed following Bledsoe’s military conviction.
A January 19 follow-up reiterated the request. On February 5, a final written request advised that reporting was pending and that the publication would note any lack of response.
That same day, a phone call was placed to confirm proper contact routing. The call was routed to voicemail and a message was left requesting confirmation of the appropriate email address for FOIA submissions and media inquiries.
No substantive response addressing the status of the case was received prior to publication.
In addition to media inquiries, The Salty Soldier submitted a formal request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act seeking administrative status records and any written memoranda reflecting whether the State intended to proceed following the military court-martial.
On February 12, 2026, the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office responded that it “does not have records responsive” to the request.
No further clarification was provided regarding whether the case is expected to move forward, remain under review, or be otherwise resolved.
Pretrial activity halted after June 2025
Court records reflect active pretrial proceedings throughout late 2024 and early 2025. Discovery disclosures were filed. A psychosexual evaluation was ordered by agreement. Multiple status hearings occurred.
On June 13, 2025, the matter was continued at the request of the defense and set for a September 4, 2025 pretrial/status hearing.
According to the Rock Island County Circuit Clerk’s Office, that hearing occurred. No subsequent court date has been scheduled.
The docket reflects no future setting.
The clerk further confirmed that Bledsoe’s defense attorney, Jonathan Ruud, later filed a motion to withdraw as counsel. Ruud now serves as a judge.
As of this week, no substitute defense counsel has been entered of record.
The charges remain pending.
Bledsoe pleaded guilty on Aug. 27, 2025, at Fort Leavenworth to one specification of producing child sexual abuse material. He was sentenced to 18 months of confinement and a dishonorable discharge pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement.
Additional military specifications were dismissed without prejudice contingent on appellate completion.
The Illinois charges remain separate and independent.
Under Illinois law, Class X felonies carry mandatory prison sentences ranging from six to 30 years per count.
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