William Green sat quietly in a Fresno County court room with his head down as the verdict was read. He was found guilty of 6 felony counts of lewd acts with a 13-year-old girl and three misdemeanor counts of annoying or molesting a 16-year-old girl.
It was an emotional victory for the victim's family. Prosecutor Gabriel Brickey said, "they were somewhat at a loss...just happy that Desiree was believed."
Desiree's story was the focus of the trial. A story that started back in 2010. She was 13 at the time and under Green's foster care. Brickey said Desiree was vulnerable and developed a sexual relationship with Green.
"Her biological father was not in her life at the time," he added, "she was searching for her father figure and she testified this defendant in some ways filled that role."
Desiree took the stand last week. She confronted Green and shared intimate details of the relationship. A recorded conversation between them also helped the jury reach a guilty verdict.
"To hear the defendant be confronted with many of these allegations and not deny them and in some ways acknowledge them was compelling," Brickey said.
Defense Attorney Franz Criego wasn't in court for the verdict and he wasn't available for comment. Green is facing up to 20 years in prison and he will have to register as a sex offender.
Green will be back in court for sentencing on April 19th.
TXT 24
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