(WNY News Now) – A 24-year-old Lockport man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree rape involving a minor.

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Luke E. Smeal, 24, of Lockport, was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in state prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision, for his conviction in a sexual assault case involving a minor.

According to Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman, Smeal previously pleaded guilty to Rape in the First Degree.

The sentence was imposed by Niagara County Court Judge Caroline Wojtaszek and represents the maximum sentence allowed for the conviction, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Seaman said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense.

The case was investigated by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Rob Zucco and Derek Hafner.