A former Fayetteville Little League coach who sexually abused children was sentenced Monday to minimum of 24 years in prison.
In April, John Hunter Krise, 27, pleaded guilty to six felony crimes: two charges of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust, two counts of soliciting a minor via computer and two counts of distributing, displaying or possessing child pornography.
Investigators opened the case against Krise after one of his victims disclosed what was happening during a counseling session. The counselor then contacted the authorities and other parents.
Investigators found almost 2,000 child pornographic images and inappropriate messages to his victims.
"Unfortunately, these kids are going to have to live with this for a very long time," said Larry Harrah, the Fayette County prosecuting attorney.
The victims were all male and in between the ages of 11 and 13 years old.
Harrah said Krise never said anything in public to the boys, just used text and Kik messages.
Krise apologized to the victims families before he was sentenced by Judge John Hatcher Jr.
Krise will be up for parole after 24 years. He will serve no more than 60 years. If released on parole, Krise will undergo intense supervision for another 25.
"I think the children of Fayette County are safer now that this man is off the streets," Harrah said.