Jurors in the trial of a former Lemme Elementary counselor have found the defendant, Donald Clark, guilty of second-degree sexual-abuse.

Clark, 41, allegedly performed sex acts on the young victim in 2004.

The 12 jurors received the case at around 2:30 p.m.,Tuesday, and didn’t return the verdict until about 1:30 p.m. today.

After the announcement, Clark and his family were very emotional. Clark began to cry as he removed a golden cross from around his neck and handed deputies his wallet and tie. His mother and relatives were sobbing behind him.

Outside the courtroom, the alleged victim and his family wept with joy. Assistant Johnson County prosecutor Anne Lahey had tears in her eyes as she spoke about the trial.

“Justice was done,” Lahey said. “It’s a step in the right direction for protecting children.”

Clark’s sentencing is set for March 26.

— Sam Lane