Clovis man gets 18 years for child porn

A 48-year-old Clovis man was sentenced Wednesday to 18 years in prison for child pornography.

The sentence was part of a plea agreement between prosecutors and Elijah McClain.

He was originally charged with 98 counts of sexual exploitation of children and exploitation with intent to distribute.

McClain pled guilty to 21 counts of sexual exploitation of children in exchange for a dismissal of the other 77 counts against him.

According to a press release from the district attorney’s office, McClain was arrested in 2006 after the FBI intercepted online communication he was trying to buy child pornography.

Curry County Sheriff's office investigators said they found about 30,000 images of child pornography in McClain’s home and on his computer.

McClain must serve up to 20 years probation upon completion of his sentence and must register as a sex offender.