A DeRidder man was convicted Thursday of two counts of sexual battery of a child after a four-day jury trial that began on Monday.

Timothy Lee Deason was convicted of one count of sexual battery of a child under the age of 13 and another count of sexual battery of a child under the age of 15.

According to state statutes, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 99 years for the first charge, with a minimum of 25 years to be served without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.

The second charge carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years without benefit of early release.

Deason is scheduled to appear before Judge Martha Ann O’Neal for sentencing on June 1.

Deason’s case was one of many in Beauregard Parish to face multiple delays over the past two years, and District Attorney James Lestage publicly thanked the victims and their families for their perseverance during those delays.

“I want to thank the young victims and their family members for pursuing the case. They had to endure delays due to Covid restrictions and hurricanes, but bravely persevered to make sure that this defendant will not hurt another young person. I truly hope that this verdict brings a sense of closure to these young people and that they can continue to heal,” Lestage said.

Assistant District Attorney Wayne Bush was the lead prosecutor of the case.