FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man accused of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 16-year-old girl in Fort Lauderdale in 1985 has been found guilty.
Dobie Hunter was convicted Thursday on three counts of sexual battery and one count of kidnapping.
Sitting in a wheelchair, Hunter apologized to the court after listening to the verdict.
"I just want to say I'm sorry," he said.
Hunter was sentenced to 30 years in prison for each count, which will be served at the same time.
DNA evidence helped police arrest Hunter 32 years after the crime was committed.
The victim, now 47, testified in Hunter's trial, describing how she was repeatedly raped her over nine hours and told her that he would hurt her family if anybody tried to come after him.
"I was in terror for almost 30 years, not knowing if he was going to come back for me or wherever he was at," the victim said.
Hunter told the judge that he has since found God.
"She mentioned she was a God-fearing person, and that's a good thing, because now that's what I am, too," he said.
Hunter, a registered sex offender, did not testify in the trial.
Meanwhile, a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy found himself in hot water after a juror came forward to say that he had sent her a friend request on Facebook, which she felt was unprofessional and made her uncomfortable.
The judge called the deputy forward Thursday and told him that the matter would be dealt with in court next week and that he should bring his attorney with him.