ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WFMY) — A former pastor and school principal has pled guilty to child sex charges.

Kevin Scott Heffner, 48, was sentenced to a minimum of 300 months and a maximum of 420 months in prison.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office said at the time of the crime Heffner was the pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Ruffin and was also the principal of Victory Church Academy.

Investigators said Heffner formed a sexual relationship with one of his students between February and August of this year, and performed various sexual acts. He also sent at least 12 nude photos of himself.

Rockingham County District Attorney, Jason Ramey said:

Heffner was a wolf in sheep’s clothing who used his position to groom his victim. She looked to him as a spiritual leader, and he took advantage of her. Throughout this process, she has demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage, and her bravery and cooperation were essential to making sure Heffner will not be able to harm other children. Heffner will spend most of what remains of his life in prison, and I hope that brings the victim and her family some solace and closure. I also understand that, due to the nature of Heffner’s position, his actions caused tremendous harm to many other people as well. I pray that the good people in the congregation of Victory Baptist Church will not lose hope or faith in Christ because of Heffner’s betrayal of his sacred positon. I hope that the resolution of this case will help bring closure to them as well. I commend Sheriff Sam Page, Detective Jonathan Cheek, Detective Ed Smaldone, and Assistant District Attorney Michelle Alcon for swiftly delivering justice for the victim of these atrocious crimes.”

Heffner must also register as a sex offender upon his release.