WBRZ - Baton Rouge

THIBODAUX, LA- A former Lafourche Parish sheriff's deputy faces a mandatory life sentence after being convicted of raping a child.

34-year-old David Lewellen was convicted Friday, after a three-day trial. He was arrested in August 2010 after admitting to investigators that he repeatedly raped a girl who was then 6 years old over nine months.

Defense attorney Damon Stentz says that Lewellen probably will appeal the conviction.

Lewellen is a Mississippi native who worked in Lafourche Parish as a corrections officer and patrol deputy. He was charged in October 2010 with aggravated rape.

He had been free on $250,000 bond but was sent to the Concordia Parish jail after the guilty verdict.

He's held there to avoid contact with former co-workers.