A Mocksville man whose online interests led to his arrest last year appeared in Davie Superior Court March 13.

The wife of Martin Joseph Fett, 66, saw pornographic images of young and teenage boys on Fett’s computer, which led to a family member alerting authorities and an investigation by the SBI. He was arrested last September at his home off Wilhaven Court.

Assistant DA Rob Taylor said Fett admitted to an agent he downloaded child pornography in 2015 and 2017.

“In the interview, he became very emotional and remorseful,” Taylor said. He alluded to behavior experienced by Fett in the 1970s similar to the images, saying it “affected him his whole life.”

Fett’s attorney, Wade Leonard, said: “That pretty much sums it up. He’s not really into this sort of thing like some people are.”

Leonard said Fett’s brother, who lives in Mars Hill, was concerned about his brother and that he hoped Fett would be residing with his brother in the near future.

When asked his name by Judge Marty McGee, Fett began crying and couldn’t talk for a moment. He did not offer a statement about his past or arrest.

On a charge of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor, McGee sentenced Fett to 25 to 39 months, suspended 30 months supervised probation. He was given an active sentence and credit for the 150 days he spent in jail awaiting trial. He was to report to his probation officer within three days of his release and must enroll in the sex offender control program, as well as submit a DNA sample.

Requirements Fett must comply with under the sex offender control program include not socializing, communicating with, being alone with or spending time in any locations with anyone under age 18 or where anyone under age 18 may be. He cannot volunteer in or work for any business that provides services to or employs anyone under age 18.

Requirements extend to submitting to warrantless searches for pornography and abiding by a curfew.

He is not required to enroll in satellite-based monitoring but must register as sex offender for the next 30 years. He was ordered to pay court costs and a $660 attorney fee but told McGee he has “no finances right now.”