A Walker man was convicted of sexual battery of a child younger than 13 years old in an incident that took place in an unlicensed in-home day care in Livingston Parish.
Joshua Prine, 43, was convicted following his Tuesday trial where he waved the right to a jury, allowing 21st Judicial District Judge Erika Sledge to decide the verdict. Sledge found him guilty following the testimony of a 10-year-old child.
District Attorney Scott Perrilloux praised the child's "strength and bravery" in taking the stand.
Prine's now former wife, watched 10 children at her home for several years in an unlicensed at-home day care. Allegations of abuse surfaced in 2023, causing the Sheriff's Office to investigate and ultimately arrest Prine that year.
Prine's former wife testified on Prine's behalf, saying she never left her former husband alone with children.
Assistant District Attorney Brett Sommer presented text messages in court from Prine's ex-wife to Prine telling him "to confess, take a plea and stop lying to himself."
Prine is set for sentencing Sept. 22. He faces 25 to 99 years in prison, Perrilloux said.
Editor's note: The story has been updated since it was first published.