The former mayor of Copperhill was sentenced to almost six years in federal prison on Monday afternoon in a child pornography case.
Robert Eugene Thomas was sentenced to 70 months for possessing and viewing child pornography. Thomas must complete a sex offender course. He will not be allowed to be alone with children under 18.
Thomas, 63, was mayor when he was indicted last February by a Chattanooga federal grand jury.
The indictment charged that he received on his computer visual depictions of children performing sexual acts.
He faced up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Thomas earlier entered a not guilty plea.
He is free on bond until he begins serving the sentence Jan. 5.