SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A jury has convicted a former speaker of Puerto Rico's House of Representatives on four counts of lewd conduct for allegedly fondling his stepdaughter.

Edison Misla Aldarondo, 60, was charged with fondling the woman, now 18, beginning when she was 9. She later said she had lied, but prosecutors claimed she had been pressured to recant her testimony.

The jury, split 9-3, on Saturday rejected defense claims that the case was politically motivated and that the government led by the Popular Democratic Party was persecuting him. Under Puerto Rican law, jury verdicts do not have to be unanimous.

The seven women and five men deliberated for about two hours and did not talk to reporters after the verdict. They were sequestered in a hotel since Aug. 8 because of media attention.

Misla's defense attorneys said they would appeal the decision. The former speaker looked down as the jury read the verdict. His accuser, who was also in the courtroom, sat expressionless.

Two prosecution witnesses -- a clinical psychologist and a social worker -- had argued that she fit the profile of a sexual abuse victim and recanted her accusations against Misla because relatives had pressured her.

Misla faces a maximum of 32 years in prison. Superior Court Judge Lourdes Velazquez scheduled sentencing for Oct. 2.

Misla is already serving five years and 11 months in federal prison on corruption charges related to the sale of a public hospital. He did not address reporters as he was led out of the courtroom to be transported back to prison.

Misla was House speaker from 1996-2000.

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