Minuteman movement founder convicted of molesting young girl
PHOENIX (AP) -- An Arizona jury has convicted a founder of the Minuteman border-watch group of molesting one young girl, but it acquitted him of engaging in sexual conduct with another.
Jurors returned guilty verdicts Wednesday against Chris Simcox on charges that he molested a 5-year-old girl and showed her pornography.
He was acquitted of the more serious charges when jurors returned not guilty verdicts on charges he engaged in sexual conduct with a 6-year-old girl.
A molestation conviction carries a sentence of up to 24 years in prison.
Simcox is scheduled to be sentenced July 5.
Prosecutors said Simcox molested one girl and engaged in sexual conduct with another during an 11-month period ending in May 2013.
Simcox's 2013 arrest came after his career as an advocate for tougher immigration policies had fizzled.