A Kenton County jury convicted a Covington man on more than 50 felony counts related to online sex crimes against children Aug. 7, after roughly four hours of deliberation.

Christopher Sears, 34, was found guilty on charges including distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor and unlawful use of an electronic device to solicit a minor for sex, according to the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney's office.

The jury recommended a sentence of nearly 1,000 years in prison, WKRC reported. In Kentucky, juries recommend sentences in felony cases, though judges are not bound by the recommendation. Formal sentencing is scheduled for September.

The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children submitted an online tip through its CyberTipline, prosecutors said. Investigators determined Sears had been using the messaging app Kik to send photos and videos of child sexual assault material to other users, according to WLWT, citing the Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney's office.

Sears admitted to investigators that he received numerous depictions of child sexual abuse material and saved some of the videos, prosecutors said.

During trial, Sears argued his behavior was a result of methamphetamine use. Prosecutors pushed back against that claim in court.

Sears was also designated a persistent felony offender in the proceedings, according to WKRC.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported Aug. 7 that online enticement reports increased 158% in 2025, rising from 546,333 to more than 1.4 million.

Residents who suspect online exploitation of a child can file a report at report.cybertip.org or call (800) 843-5678.