A Michigan City man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography.

Rodney McLean, 38, was sentenced Thursday to 292 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana.

Federal prosecutors said McLean produced videos showing himself sexually abusing a person younger than 16.

Authorities learned about the videos after another person discovered them and reported them to Michigan City police. The investigation was then referred to Homeland Security Investigations.

McLean was later indicted and arrested before pleading guilty to production of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said child exploitation cases can have lasting effects on victims and their families and pledged continued federal prosecution of such offenses.

Homeland Security Investigations officials said protecting children from exploitation remains one of the agency’s highest priorities.