Earl Bernard Keasler, 73, of Centre, was sentenced to 10 years to serve in the State Penitentiary for two separate counts of Production of Obscene Matter and 12 months to serve in jail for two additional counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. Keasler entered please of guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 9, before Presiding Judge Randall L. Cole.

The investigation of Keasler’s activity was conducted by District Attorney’s Investigator Danny Smith in conjunction with the Cherokee Department of Human Resources, the Cherokee Children’s Advocacy Center and the Centre Police Department. The investigation revealed that Keasler had produced or directed the photography of two minor children less than 17 years of age depicting breast or genital nudity. The facts further established that Keasler had sexual contact with the minor children involved. A Cherokee County Grand Jury returned the multiple count indictment against Keasler in September of 2003.

Assistant District Attorney Bob Johnston expressed satisfaction with the sentences imposed. “We are pleased to bring these cases to a successful conclusion on behalf of the children involved,” said Johnston. Johnston credited the Child Abuse Review Team of Cherokee County, and particularly DA Investigator Danny Smith, with the successful investigation and prosecution. “All the parties involved in the investigation and prosecution of these cases did an outstanding job in gathering the evidence necessary for conviction.” Keasler has applied for probation. A hearing upon his application will come before the Court at a later date.