The verdict is in for the trial of former Pella Pastor Patrick Edouard. Edouard has been found guilty on 4 counts of sexual exploitation by a counselor, but not guilty of 3 counts of sexual abuse. He was also convicted of having a pattern, practice, or scheme to sexually exploit. The closing arguments of prosecutor Laura Roan stated that Edouard used his position as a pastor to lure vulnerable women. Defense attorney Angela Campbell said that regardless of the women’s reasons for visiting Edouard, his intent was to start affairs, not to be a counselor, and it is his intent that matters. Edouard faces 9 years in prison when he is sentenced mid-October. He would also have to register for 10 years as a sex offender.

Marion County Attorney Ed Bull says that he would like to thank the Dallas County Jury for their two weeks of service, and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting the case. Bull tells KNIA/KRLS News that “The jury has spoken, justice is done. I hope that the verdict will provide closure for the victims as well as the church.”