William Casey

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/AP) -- A Catholic priest was convicted of molesting an alter boy while both were at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Kingsport in the 1970s.

William Casey, 78, was convicted of two counts of aggravated rape and a lone count of first degree sexual misconduct, according to WJHL. Casey, who now resides in Greeneville, remains in custody and is awaiting a bond hearing on July 22.

Warren Tucker, 46, of Jeffersonville, Ind., has gone accused Casey of molesting him when he was an altar boy.

“From the first day that Warren Tucker brought this horrible crime to our attention, the Diocese of Knoxville has supported his efforts to seek justice,” Bishop Richard Stika wrote following the Casey conviction. “We are brokenhearted at the pain and tragedy Mr. Tucker has experienced over the past years, and we sincerely hope that today’s verdict will bring some healing to him.”

Tucker testified Tuesday about at least three sexual encounters with Casey, starting when he was 13, the Kingsport Times-News reported.

Tucker said he had no desire to have sex with Casey but felt powerless to resist someone he believed then to be "God on earth."

Casey will be back in court on July 22nd for a bond hearing, each count comes with a possible 50,000 dollar fine.