PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A federal jury reached a split decision Monday against a former federal prison guard charged in an inmate assault case, finding him guilty of some charges and not guilty of others.

Kevin Pearce Jr., 38, of Inez, was one of three former officers charged in the case. Samuel Patrick, 41, of West Van Lear, and Clinton Pauley, 40, of Ironton, Ohio, each pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law, admitting they assaulted inmates.

Pearce, however, was only found guilty of two counts of falsifying records in an attempt to cover up the assaults. He was found not guilty of deprivation of rights and witness tampering.

Pearce now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count. His sentencing has been scheduled for July 5.