In Lawrence County, Alabama, a man has been handed a 20-year state prison sentence for the sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old, as announced by District Attorney Errek Jett.

Joshua Edward Priest received the maximum penalty permissible under Alabama law following his conviction last October for this heinous crime.

During the sentencing hearing, Chief Assistant District Attorney Brian Clark recounted that the young victim, initially too frightened to speak with him when he took over the case, eventually came to trust him. Her courage led her to testify against Priest in court earlier this year.

District Attorney Jett remarked, “This step not only advances her healing process from a traumatic ordeal no child should endure, but it also serves as a beacon of hope for other victims and their families, proving that justice can prevail over wrongdoing.”

Alongside his prison term, Priest will also be required to register as a sex offender.