ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) — Former Louisiana state trooper and Vidalia resident Jay Sandifer has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty last year to receipt of child pornography.

Friday’s sentencing in Alexandria came after testimony that Sandifer not only possessed child pornography but also exposed himself to — and had sexual contact with — children.

Sandifer repeatedly denied those accusations saying that he did not have sexual feelings toward underage girls.

Prosecutors noted that more than 90 search terms for child porn images were found on his computers.

U.S. District Judge Dee Drell sentenced Sandifer to nine years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Sandifer also will have to register as a sex offender and pay a fine of $15,000.

“He was a state trooper, and he was held to a higher standard,” Drell said. “I am convinced by the preponderance of evidence that there is a pattern of exploitation of minors.”

Sandifer’s daughter cried openly while other family members watched the proceedings in court.

Sandifer, 41, faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

The former trooper, who also faces state child-sex charges in three central Louisiana parishes, including Concordia, was with State Police for 15 years. He was fired in July 2010.