Former pastor found guilty
By
Evan White
Story Created:
Jan 22, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST
Story Updated:
Jan 23, 2008 at 2:12 PM EST
UTICA - The man accused of sexually abusing a seven year old girl heard his fate today in court. William Procanick was found guilty on all charges.
After roughly eight hours of deliberations over two days, jurors decided that William Procanick, a former pastor in Clinton should be sent to state prison.
"They weighed all the facts," said Douglas DeMarche "They determined what they felt to be the credible facts and they rendered a verdict based on what they believed to be the credible facts."
There were a lot of tears - some from supporters of Procanick and those supporting the victim's family.
Procanick was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree for touching the legs and buttocks of a 7 year old girl - a child who often spent nights with the Procanick family.
It wasn't a quick verdict, but that didn't surprise the prosecution. Jurors asked for two read backs, including what is the legal definition of "sexual gratification - an issue that came up during the trial. The judge said there isn't one, but read a dictionary definition.
Jurors also asked if Procanick or the church could be sued if he's convicted. The judge firmly said not to speculate or consider what could happen later.
Procanick faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
Shortly after the verdict came down, Procanick met in the lobby with his supporters. When asked if any would like to comment on the verdict, none of them elected to do so.
Procanick is due back in court for sentencing February 29.
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