Paul Eran Peterson, 41, was convicted of six counts of third-degree sexual abuse, Class C forcible felonies; four counts of incest, Class D felonies; and one count of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor.

District Court Judge John Flynn acquitted Peterson of one charge of incest and one charge of third-degree sexual abuse, opting to convict with the lesser-included assault charge.

During the two-day bench trial in late April, Peterson’s victim, who will be known as Jane Doe, gave harrowing testimony about nearly seven years of abuse perpetrated by the defendant.

The look on Doe’s face during the testimony was “as serious as cancer,” Flynn said when handing down the conviction.

“I found the testimony to be compelling, specific and believable,” Flynn said.

The judge said through testimony of the witnesses, as well as from Webster County Attorney’s Office Investigator Larry Hedlund, there was “more than enough evidence” to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Hedlund had testified about his interview of the defendant, in which Peterson admitted to the sexual contact with the victim.

Flynn had to analyze each specific charge that was made against Peterson — seven counts of third-degree sexual abuse and five counts of incest. He found that in one of the abuse charges and one of the incest charges, no sex act had taken place, which led to the acquittal and conviction of a lesser-included charge.

“The court is more than firmly convinced that the sex act in this particular situation was specifically intended, but not completed,” Flynn said.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Webster County Attorneys Bailey Taylor and Brad McIntyre.

“The state is extremely satisfied with the court’s ruling,” Taylor and McIntyre said in a statement. “Cases of this caliber are difficult for all involved. Law enforcement worked diligently through this investigation. We hope that the favorable ruling will provide the victim with comfort and solace.”

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for July 8. If Flynn elects to order the prison sentences to be served consecutively, Peterson would effectively spend the rest of his life in prison. Peterson also faces up to $95,000 in fines.