A Vicksburg man has been convicted of attempted sexual battery of a victim under the age of 14 after a four-day trial.

Ninth Judicial Circuit District Attorney Ricky Smith said the jury returned the verdict against James Earl Cole Thursday. He said Circuit Judge Toni Walker Terrett set sentencing for Dec. 14 at 9 a.m.

“The trial started Monday and the jury deliberated about two hours,” he said. “The victim testified, the victim’s mother testified and we had experts from the Children’s Advocacy Center.” He said the victim was very calm during her testimony.

“I want to express my appreciation for the jury for their efforts in reaching a verdict,” Smith said. “Brandon Southerland and Liem Walker prosecuted the case.

Cole was indicted by a September 2020 grand jury on a charge of statutory rape of a victim under 14.