A Yates County man who was the focus of a child sexual exploitation ring in the Southern Tier that brought charges against 18 people faces at least four decades in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies.

Andrew Daugherty, 49, of Dundee, pleaded guilty Monday in Yates County Court to charges of predatory sexual assault, predatory sexual assault against a child, sex trafficking of a child, and compelling prostitution, according to Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella.

What the investigation revealed

In addition to the charges included in the plea agreement, Daugherty was also originally indicted on counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, promoting a sexual performance by a child, and use of a child in a sexual performance.