Jurors on Monday convicted a Jennings man of first-degree rape of a juvenile under the age of 13.

Jason Ray Craft, 41, who faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole, will be sentenced on Feb. 14 in the 31st Judicial District Court.

District Judge Steve Gunnell revoked Craft’s bond and remanded him to the Jeff Davis Parish Jail pending sentencing.

Jurors deliberated for nearly five hours Monday before returning the guilty verdict following a week-long jury trial which began with motions on Jan. 24 before proceeding to jury selection which ended last Thursday.

Jeff Davis District Attorney Elliott Cassidy and Assistant District Attorney Stacey Naquin called multiple witnesses over the course of three days to prosecute the case.

In his closing argument, Cassidy told the jury that this was a strong case because Craft was identified by the juvenile victim. In addition, Craft’s DNA was discovered on the juvenile.

“Jeff Davis Parish is a safer place today with Jason Craft convicted and in jail,” Cassidy said in a statement reacting to the jury’s verdict. “Predators like Jason Craft have no place in society, and I will always work tirelessly to keep dangerous criminals off the streets.”

Cassidy also thanked the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office for their investigation.

“Detective Lisa Ivey put a ton of hours into this case,” he stated. “She was a crucial part of this victory.”

Cassidy also thanked his staff.

“Every assistant DA helped out in some capacity,” he stated. “Our victim and witness coordinator got all of our witnesses here on time and ready to go. We used new technology in the courtroom that was presented without any technical difficulties. A jury trial in a small parish is a total team effort and I’ve got the best team in the business.”

Cassidy said late District Attorney Kevin Millican wanted the case tried and wanted it to be presented to a jury.

“I know he was watching over us this whole time,” he said.