An Abilene man was sentenced to 55 years in prison Thursday for sexually abusing his child relative.

Kevin Kellerby, 37, was arrested for the continuous sexual abuse of a child in January 2012 after Child Protective Services reported him to police.

According to police, Kellerby admitted to raping his 11-year-old female relative several times.

Kellerby faced 25 to 99 years, or life, in prison and up to a $10,000 fine for the offense.

A Taylor County jury found him guilty Wednesday and sentenced him to 55 years in prison with a $7,000 fine Thursday.