COVINGTON, Ky. -- A Kenton County judge sentenced a Fort Mitchell man to 45 years in prison Tuesday for raping a 12-year-old girl and possessing child pornography.
Matthew Bucher, 30, met the victim online using the name "Matt Percin." Authorities said he met several underage girls that way, and would in some cases bring them back to the apartment he shared with his mother, where he would sexually assault and photograph them. Police found more than 60,000 photos on Bucher's electronic devices during the investigation.
Police said they believe there are at least a dozen victims. The 12-year-old was the youngest victim and the first to come forward.
During his trial, Bucher claimed he thought the girl was 17.
In May, a jury found Bucher guilty of second-degree rape, six counts of promoting a sexual performance of a minor under 16 and six counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.
The jury recommended a 45-year sentence for Bucher, and Judge Patricia Summe accepted that recommendation Tuesday.
Bucher is facing more charges in four other cases. Those trials are pending.
