TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl.

Michael Romano, 43, of New Milford, was convicted by a jury Wednesday of nine counts including first-degree sexual assault and engaging a child in an obscene performance.  Romano faces up to 85 years in prison when he’s sentenced April 17. He remains held on $1.2 million bond.

The investigation started in December 2017 when the girl’s mother took her daughter to the New Milford Police Department with physical injuries. Further investigation of her cellphone revealed intimate photos of herself and text messages she had sent to Romano.

Romano, who is married and has two sons, and was friend’s with the girl’s mother, authorities said.

Both he and the girl took the stand during the trial. Romano, representing himself, said he only sought to help a single mother and her two children, including the victim, now 11.