LONDON, Ky. (WMDJ) - A Pike County man has pleaded guilty to two federal child exploitation charges stemming from a 2023 investigation.

Gary Don Hampton, 49, of Virgie, entered his guilty pleas Wednesday, October 14, in U.S. District Court in London.

According to federal court documents, Hampton pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse material and possessing material depicting prepubescent children.

Investigators searched Hampton's Pike County residence in September 2023 and seized a cellphone containing illegal images and videos. Hampton also admitted receiving illegal videos through the Telegram messaging application.

A federal magistrate judge determined Hampton entered his pleas knowingly and voluntarily and recommended their acceptance by the district judge.

The receiving charge carries a prison sentence of five to 20 years, while the possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Hampton will also be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Previous coverage can be found here.