Robert Bartimus was found guilty of molesting a 7-year-old family member yesterday in a Harrison County courtroom.

Bartimus, a former Bowerston Councilman, was charged with the rape of a minor under the age of 18. The incident happened in his Bowerston home in February.

Additional evidence pointing toward the truth of the allegations came to light in the form of a failed lie detector test that Bartimus had requested for himself.

Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Bruzzese also read the statements read from the victim and a letter from a fellow inmate at the Jefferson County Jail, corroborating the facts of the sexual allegations from the victim, saying Bartimus admitted to him he committed the crime.

Bartimus was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison.