Stephen Wayne Covert was arrested in July following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Covert entered into a plea agreement that called for the defendant to admit his guilt to the four counts and receive no more than a 15-year executed sentence.
The State argued the defendant should receive the full 15 years while the defense wanted a three-year sentence.
Vigo Superior Court Division 1 Judge John Roach found it was appropriate to run advisory three year sentences on each count consecutively based on aggravating circumstances, resulting in a total of 12 years.
“Having law enforcement teams like this is a horrible necessity in these times,” Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said following the sentencing. “The level of professionalism and diligence of this team in tracking down these criminals is to be commended and we cannot thank them enough.”
