NEWTON TWP., Ohio (WKBN) — The Newton Township man indicted on numerous felony child sex crimes has changed his plea.

Steven Billock pleaded guilty to all 31 counts in Common Pleas Court Tuesday morning including rape, attempted rape, gross sexual imposition and child pornography-related charges.

Billock was arrested following a June 29 search of his home on Grant Avenue following a tip from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children agency. Investigators collected images and discovered an 8-year-old victim in the case.

“We’ve seen an uptick in these internet-based crimes, and we’ve also seen an uptick in these internet-based crimes turning into more turning into situations where we have people actively hurting kids,” said Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman.

As part of his plea, the sexually violent predator specification was dropped.

Judge Andrew Logan ordered Billock to undergo a presentencing investigation.

Billock faces a minimum of 40 years to life in prison and a maximum of 60 years to life at sentencing which will be scheduled for a later date.

“If we can avoid having that kid come in and testify in a cold courtroom in front of strangers, we want to do that, right? But we also want to balance that against holding an individual like Mr. Billock accountable, so I think this plea accomplishes that he’s gonna end up with a life sentence,” Billock said.