COLUMBUS (AP) — A man convicted of harassing an Ohio sheriff for nearly 20 years via letters, emails and websites has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Michael Watson announced the 55-month sentence for 54-year-old William Young at a Wednesday hearing in Columbus.

Authorities say the harassment began in 1999 when Young was arrested by Delaware County Deputy Russell Martin, who’s now the sheriff.

Federal prosecutors cited the seriousness of the offense and the toll it took on the sheriff and his family.

Young’s attorney asked for a sentence of about two years, saying any prison time would serve as adequate deterrence. Young’s attorney also noted that Young never physically confronted his victims.