By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

An Ellis man was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for child exploitation charges this week in Ellis County.

Michael Ray Anderson was sentenced Monday in Ellis County District Court to 94 months in prison on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Assistant Ellis County Attorney Crystalyn Oswald said Anderson was sentenced to 47 months on the first count, 24 months on count two and, on count three, he was sentenced to 23 months. Counts four through 10 were for 32 months but will run concurrently.

Oswald said, under Kansas law, Anderson received the maximum punishment allowed.

District Court Judge Blake Bittel denied a motion by Anderson’s defense for lesser sentence.

As a result of the sentencing Anderson, once he is released from prison will be required to register as a sex offender for life. He will also be subjected to lifetime post-release supervision, according to Oswald.

The crimes were alleged to have happened on or about March 31, 2015, Oswald said.

A jury found Anderson guilty on all 10 counts in a trial in July.