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A Hickory County jury convicted a man from Strafford for raping a 2-year-old girl. Marlin Lane faces a prison sentence between 10 and 30 years (life) without chance of parole when he’s sentenced in May for first-degree statutory sodomy. 

The jury issued the verdict on Friday. The case was moved here from Webster County to try to ensure a fair outcome. The charge was filed last year, about two years after investigators believe the abuse occurred.

Investigators say the toddler’s mother discovered what was happening when her daughter tested positive for genital herpes. Marlin Lane had the same sexually transmitted disease.

Webster County Prosecuting Attorney Danette Padgett said the young child had to take the stand but Padgett also was able to show jurors video of an interview done at a Child Advocacy Center, so the girl didn’t have to repeat all that she remembers before jurors.