A Pike County resident is going to prison for child exploitation, announced Attorney General Jim Hood Thursday.

John Matherne, 39, of Magnolia pleaded guilty before Pike County Circuit Court Judge David Strong Wednesday to one count of child exploitation. As a result, Judge Strong sentenced Matherne to 25 years with eight to serve. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, $1,000 to the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Fund and he must register as a sex offender upon release.

The case, investigated by the Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Unit, uncovered multiple images of child pornography on the defendant’s home computer.

“Judge Strong’s sentence should be a warning to others who are committing this same crime,” said Attorney General Hood.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Brandon Ogburn.