BIG STONE GAP, Va. — A southwestern Virginia man indicted last year on a federal charge of exploiting minors has indicated he is ready to plead guilty.

Shannon Michael Robert Gatlin, 21, was indicted on a single count of exploiting minors last March. The indictment alleges he had pornographic content of children younger than 12 on his phone and tablet.

Gatlin has already signed a plea agreement and awaits a court date to make his guilty plea official. He will face up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced at a later date.

Gatlin is currently being held in the Western Regional Jail in Salem.