On Aug. 9, Kenneth Pitisci, 77, was found guilty of sodomy in the first degree and sexual abuse of a child less than 12 by a Baldwin County jury.

Because Pitisci was over 21 and the victim was six years old or less at the time of the offense, the sentence enhancements require that he be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

The trial began Monday, Aug. 7 under Circuit Court Judge Jody Bishop and was prosecuted by Child Sex Crimes Assistant District Attorney Matt Simpson.

Simpson said many agencies and organizations came together to help bring the case to a successful close, including the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Cobb County Georgia Police Department, SafePath Child Advocacy Center in Marietta, Ga., CAREHouse in Baldwin County and the investigators and victim service officers with the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office.

“Prosecuting this case was a true team effort,” Simpson said. “The victims' family in this case are pleased with the verdict and are happy to have this process over."

The sentencing hearing for the case is set for Sept. 21.