A man who previously admitted that he sexually abused a six-year-old girl was sentenced to a term of imprisonment Friday morning in Natrona County District Court.

District Judge Thomas Sullins sentenced 32-year-old Matthew Canady to a term of eight to 15 years in prison. Canady previously pleaded guilty to a single count of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Taheri on Friday called the impact to the victim "very significant in this case." He detailed the abuse and explained that Canady had abused a position of trust and authority when he committed the crime.

Casper police began investigating the case on June 5 after receiving a report containing the allegations from the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Sullins called the victim impact "absolutely heartbreaking" before sentencing Canady and said that probation was not appropriate.

Prosecutors initially charged Canady with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, two counts of incest and one count of sexual exploitation of children. As part of a plea agreement, Canady was allowed to enter a cold plea to the single third-degree charge.

The cold plea meant that all sentencing options were on the table. Taheri on Friday requested a sentence of 13½ to 15 years in prison.

More From My Country 95.5