PRINCETON, W.V. (AP) - A southern West Virginia jury has convicted a Tennessee man on charges of trying to buy his two granddaughters from his former daughter-in-law.
Media outlets report that the Mercer County jury found Mark Lynn Jeffrey guilty on two counts of purchasing a child. The 55-year-old Mount Juliet, Tenn., resident also was convicted on sexual abuse and sexual assault charges.
Jurors deliberated about two hours before issuing their verdict Wednesday. It was Jeffrey's second trial. His first trial in August ended in a mistrial after the jury couldn't reach a verdict.
Prosecutors say Jeffrey offered to pay his former daughter-in-law $20,000 in cash for the girls in 2006. The children were 4 years old and 2 years old at the time.
A sentencing date hasn't been set.
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