“I think the jury’s decision to sentence him to 15 years in prison is significant,” Dotson said. “That’s how old his victim was when he raped her.”

Chad Richardson, Wheeland’s defense lawyer, said he was disappointed with the verdict.

“I don’t make it a practice second-guessing the jury,” Richardson said. “But any time other allegations are allowed to be introduced as evidence, you’re going to take a hit.”

During a pretrial motions hearing, Dotson successfully argued her case to introduce testimony from one other girl with whom Wheeland is alleged to have sex. The girl’s testimony, Dotson said, was necessary to show a pattern of Wheeland’s behavior.

A total of four girls have come forward with similar allegations against Wheeland. Associate District Judge Norman D. Thygesen allowed the testimony of one of those girls, who told jurors she came forward with her allegations after she learned he had sex with one of her friends.

Muskogee County Sheriff’s Investigator Jan Ray, who is leading the Wheeland investigation, said she was pleased with the verdicts.

“I am looking forward to helping the district attorney’s office successfully prosecute the other three cases,” Ray said.

Richardson said he plans to file notice of his client’s intent to appeal the convictions.

Wheeland, who faces the prospect of three more trials for similar charges, is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. June 11. He is being held in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility.