BIG STONE GAP, Va. — A southwestern Virginia man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of exploiting minors.

Shannon Michael Robert Gatlin, 21, pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual exploitation of minors this week.

In court documents, Gatlin admitted to possessing pornographic images of children on his phone and tablet, with some of the images of children younger than 12. The charge carries a potential sentence of anywhere between 5 years and life in prison.

Gatlin now awaits for a review of his personal and criminal history to determine an appropriate range for his sentence, although the final decision will come from the judge. He will be sentenced April 5.