A Fayette County man who pleaded guilty Thursday to possession child pornography will receive at least a 10-year sentence as a repeat offender under federal sentencing guidelines, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said.

Michael Pulliam, 36, of Fairchance, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor before Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the plea, the court was told an undercover online investigation in April 2019 revealed that Pulliam was sharing child pornography over the eMule file sharing network, Brady said. A search of Pulliam’s residence and electronic devices uncovered thousands of images of child pornography, prosecutors said.

Pulliam had a prior conviction in federal court for possession of child pornography in 2006 when he was sentenced to serve 51 months, which triggers a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison in the latest case.

Hornak scheduled sentencing Oct. 6. The law provides for a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Hornak ruled Pulliam remain jailed pending sentencing,

State police investigated the case, Brady said.

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