Joel Gomez, owner of Natalie’s Restaurant in Dowagiac, was convicted Thursday of 10 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Sexual abuse took place over a year-and-a-half starting in January of 2007 and involving a minor child under the age of 13.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said, “This verdict insures that our community is safe from this child predator.”

Bond was revoked immediately after the verdict by trial Judge Michael Dodge.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct involves sexual penetration by the defendant into the body of the victim. 

The case was investigated by the Michigan State Police with assistance from the Dowagiac Police Department.

DNA evidence established that seminal fluids of the defendant were mixed with fluids from the victim and found on the victim’s bed spread. 

Testimony of the victim as well as the physical evidence indicated that the offenses occurred at both the defendant’s restaurant as well as his Dowagiac residence.

A jury of seven men and five women deliberated about 45 minutes in reaching their unanimous decision.

Cass County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Frank Machnik, who tried the case, expressed satisfaction that “this decision is extremely gratifying for law enforcement and this brave child. Her nightmare is over. She is now free to move forward with her life.”

Gomez, 31, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison for each count. 

Sentencing was set by Judge Dodge for Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m.