A former New Hampshire state lawmaker was sentenced Thursday to more than 33 years in prison in a child exploitation case involving images of children obtained through a former partner, according to the details described in the case.

Stacie-Marie Laughton, who became known as the first openly transgender person elected to a state legislature, received the sentence following charges tied to child exploitation.

According to the case summary, prosecutors said Laughton persuaded a former intimate partner, identified as Lindsay Groves, to take explicit photographs of children at a daycare facility where she had previously worked. Authorities stated that the images involved children estimated to be between the ages of three and five and were allegedly taken during routine care activities before being sent by text.

The case drew significant public attention because of Laughton’s earlier political profile and because of the seriousness of the allegations involving young children.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that centered on criminal conduct allegations rather than political identity, with authorities emphasizing accountability and legal consequences in cases involving exploitation of minors.

Cases involving children often generate strong public reaction, and officials continue to stress the importance of protecting minors and enforcing laws designed to prevent abuse and exploitation.