A Picayune man has been sentenced to 20 years in jail in Hancock County after entering a guilty plea to two counts of sexual battery of a juvenile.

Mark Krementz, 60, of Picayune, was arrested in July of last year by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department for the molestation of an 11-year-old girl at her home, who was left with him by her parents, according to a press release from the office of Hancock County District Attorney Joel Smith.

This week, Krementz entered his plea of guilty to the charges, after which he was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Lisa Dodson to 40 years in jail, 20 of which were suspended, the release states.

Upon his release he will have to undergo five years of probation and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The release states that Krementz was a family relative of the victim, and was caught in the act by the family.

“The parents came home and caught the defendant molesting the 11-year old child in her home after the parents left briefly to run errands,” said Assistant District Attorney Chris Daniel in the release.

A subsequent investigation gathered evidence that showed the molestation had been occurring for about a year, the release states.

According to the press release, Krementz gave a statement during his plea hearing.

“I am sorry. I take full responsibility. I have no excuse,” Krementz said in the release.

Due to the aspect of the crime, his sentence will be served day for day and he will not be eligible for parole, the release states.

“Crimes against children continue to be a priority in this jurisdiction and the swift and thorough investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is a testament to that commitment,” said District Attorney Joel Smith in the release.