SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. -- A Lyman man was given a 16-year prison sentence Tuesday for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.

Steven Roberts, 35, was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and lewd act on a minor.

Roberts must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence before he is eligible for release.

The defendant will also be listed on the state's Sex Offender Registry.

The child was 7 years old when the crime was reported to sheriff’s deputies.

The victim described multiple assaults in detail during a forensic interview with the Children’s Advocacy Center and also testified during the trial.

“The victim in this case is a hero,” Assistant Solicitor Jennifer Jordan said. “She courageously described the horrible things that were done to her.”