33-year-old Chad Covalt has been sentenced to 120 years in prison after being found guilty last month of 29 child pornography charges.

During a sentencing hearing this morning in Wabash County Circuit Court, State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman outlined state statutes that mandate sentences on child porn charges be served consecutively but are limited to each course of conduct the crimes are committed. Storckman successfully argued that Covalt’s crimes occurred during two courses of conduct resulting in Judge William C. Hudson sentencing Covalt to 60 years in prison on each course of conduct. The 120 years in prison is eligible for 50% time served credit for a minimum of 60 years.

In announcing the sentencing, Hudson cited the fact that Covalt offered no excuses, no remorse, and no testimony in allocution. Hudson read a victim impact statement from one of the victims who said she had been emotionally broken by Covalt’s crimes and has considered suicide because of it. She said her life had been ripped in pieces and struggles with nightmares.

Before the sentencing hearing, Hudson denied a defense motion for a new trial. Covalt was arrested in May of last year after his ex-wife found child porn images on his cell phone and turned them over to authorities.  Hudson found him guilty on 29 child porn charges during a one day bench trial.