JACKSON COUNTY, Wis. (WXOW) – After three days of trial, a Black River Falls man has been convicted of six crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault. 

Paul A. Sylvester (53) has been found guilty of 2nd degree sexual assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent, theft, and disorderly conduct, according to a release from the Jackson County District Attorney on Friday.

In May, Sylvester entered the vehicle of the victim in a parking lot in Sparta, according to the criminal complaint.

There, he struck the victim when she attempted to pepper spray him, then drove the victim in her vehicle to a remote part of Jackson County Forest. The victim was sexually assaulted and left stranded after Sylvester left with her vehicle. 

The victim was located the next morning by a passerby who called 911. She testified that she believed Sylvester was going to kill her. 

Sylvester had also broken the victim’s phone and prescription glasses. 

The prosecution was handled by District Attorney Emily Hynek. Bond has been revoked, and Sylvester was remanded to the custody of the Jackson County Sheriff pending sentencing—scheduled for August 8 in Jackson County Circuit Court.