Man convicted of molesting girl

A Cape Girardeau County jury on Wednesday found a man guilty of molesting an 8-year-old girl.

Nicholas Goetz, 37, faces up to 15 years in prison after being convicted of molestation in the first degree.

According to a news release from Prosecuting Attorney Chris Limbaugh, the victim immediately told her mother about the sexual abuse, and her mother then contacted police.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony from the victim, now 10; her mother; three officers; a child advocate; and Goetz himself, who denied molesting the girl, Limbaugh reported.

The jury found Goetz guilty after three hours of deliberation, Limbaugh reported.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 24.