Oh Davey

More of Bobo's World (copyright Atrios) opening their hearts, and pants.

Christian school principal convicted of sex charges in Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. - The principal of a small Christian school was convicted of sexually molesting a female student.

The Rev. Jerry Lee Pitts, 38, was found guilty Thursday of lewd and lascivious battery and molestation. He faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced later.

Pitts, of North Port, sat stunned as the clerk read the verdict.

Pitts started a sexual relationship with a former Living Water Academy student who was 15 at the time. The girl is now 17.

The victim testified that she started attending the school in March 2002. Shortly afterward, Pitts sexually assaulted her in his wife's office, in a trailer parked on school grounds and in the computer lab.

Defense attorneys argued that a lack of evidence and conflicting statements made by the victim and witnesses should lead to acquittal.

Two women testified that Pitts also raped and molested them at about the same age as the victim, and never reported it to the police. Both are now 24. Because the statute of limitations ran out on their cases, they could only testify to show a pattern of behavior by Pitts.

The Sarasota school is part of the Living Word church.