09:06 AM PST on Friday, December 17, 2004

Associated Press

ALBANY, Ore. -- A jury has found a 36-year-old Albany pastor guilty of two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Jurors deliberated for a day-and-a-half in the trial of Timothy Sean Sullivan, pastor of the Liberty Christian Center.

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The victim, now 12, is related to Sullivan.

Sullivan's wife, in-laws, and supporters from his church were with Sullivan throughout his six-day trial.

Upon the reading of the verdict, Sullivan removed his glasses, slumped in his chair, and wept. Behind him in the benches, so did his family. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial and took the stand in his own defense.

Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced on January tenth, 2005.

The victim was called to testify. She identified Sullivan as the person who molested her.