Man charged in alleged sex assault at Troy church's preschool was found guilty

James O'Connell accused of being involved in assault at St. Augustine Lutheran Church's day care

TROY, Mich. – A man who was accused of being involved in a sexual assault at a Troy church's preschool has been found guilty.

James O'Connell, 58, was found guilty Tuesday on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with an incident involving a young girl. The alleged assault happened at the preschool at St. Augustine Lutheran church.

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O'Connell's sentencing date has been set for May 7, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. in front of Judge Wendy Potts.

O'Connell had attended the church for 22 years before leaving when an investigation was launched in May.

O'Connell is retired from the construction business and has two children of his own.

O'Connell faces up to life in prison. The church preschool program still has a license to operate under the state of Michigan.