Lincoln man convicted of sexually abusing relative

A Lincoln man was convicted by a calhoun County jury Tuesday of sexually abusing a young relative.

The jury convicted 59 year old David Wayne Snelling,  of one count of first-degree sodomy and one count of first-degree sexual abuse of a child under age 12. The sodomy charge carries a punishment of 20 to 99 years in prison; sexual abuse of a child younger than 12 carries between 10 and 20.

Snelling’s sentence hearing is set for Oct. 3.

 prosecutors say they will seek the maximum sentences on each charge. Prosecutors also asked Judge Turner to change Snelling’s $100,000 surety bond to a cash bond, meaning that Snelling would need to pay the full bond amount to make bail. Turner said he would decide later about the bond changes, and ordered Snelling held until the matter is settled.

Kirby said Snelling’s family would likely appeal the verdict, but said he would probably not represent the defendant in that appeal.