Testimony is under way in a sex offense trial that could result in life in prison for the accused. Both charges are first-degree child molestation. His trial is expected to last into next week. If Payne is convicted by the jury chosen to hear his case, the prosecution is likely to seek a life sentence.
State law provides for that punishment for a second severe sex offense.
Payne has convictions for sex offenses against young girls in Canada in 1996 and 1999. Canada deported him to the U.S. last March for the crimes, Bremerton police say. Defense lawyer Aaron Talney said he will oppose a life sentence should the jury convict. But his first job is to seek an acquittal. That girl's mother caught him in the act, Jones said, and the 8-year old witnessed it.