PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Smithfield man will spend a decade behind bars for attempting to entice a minor and possessing child pornography, according to U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha. Mathew Hoard, 40, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release, having pleaded guilty to charges of attempted inducement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, possession with intent to view child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. According to Newport police, Hoard began messaging someone whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover detective, in July 2020. The communication lasted for more two months, during which he sent sexually explicit images and messages and "repeatedly requested that the girl send nude pictures of herself." Police said he also tried to arrange a meeting for sex. That same year, investigators learned that Hoard had uploaded child pornography to a social media platform. On Sept. 29, 2020, police seized a cell phone and laptop containing images and videos of child pornography during a search of Hoard's home, including one image that he had exchanged with the undercover officer. Hoard was required to register as a sex offender in Rhode Island after he was convicted of possessing child pornography in 2011. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW