A Covington County jury deliberated for a little more than an hour Tuesday before finding Frank Paul Mayo Jr. guilty of first-degree sodomy.

It was the second time a jury had heard the case. Last June, Mayo’s first trial ended with a hung jury.

Assistant District Attorney Grace Jeter said Mayo’s victim, a minor, testified in the trial.

“She’s tough,” Jeter said.

Jeter said this case underscores the need for children and other victims of abuse to hear the message that they need to talk when something happens to them.

“It was five years after it happened when the victim disclosed this situation,” Jeter said. “We’ve got to teach kids that you’ve got to tell as soon as you can. It doesn’t go away and you don’t forget about it.”

Jeter said the abuse causes victims all kinds of problems.

“It affects their self esteem. We’ve got to teach our kids to tell,” she said. “They’re not old enough to carry the burden and it’s not supposed to happen to them.”

Judge M. Ashley McKathan heard the case and will sentence Mayo on April 14. The conviction carries a possible sentence of 10 years to life.

Mayo was represented by Elba attorney Garth Lindsey.