2:00 PM EST

Former WCW wrestler "Hardbody" Harrison Norris Jr. was found guilty in his jury trial and could possibly be sentenced to prison for life.
 
THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION reports  Harrison was found guilty of abuse, sex trafficking and other charges involving five victims and on conspiracy charges involving three others. Jurors acquitted him of charges involving a ninth victim.
Norman Pringle, jury foreman, described the case as "grueling." Jurors struggled with the similarities between the peonage and forced labor charges.

A time line, Pringle told the Journal-Constitution when interviewed by the newspaper, helped them reach a final verdict.

"We had to analyze some things," he said. "We were pretty much deadlocked on the peonage charges."

Jurors decided in subsequent deliberations that the government could seize Norris's 2002 GMC Denali sport-utility vehicle, which prosecutors argued was used in the commission of some of the crimes.

The verdict capped a trial in which Norris battled allegations that he used his pro-wrestling company to lure nine vulnerable and poor women into a life of prostitution and slavery at his two Cartersville homes.

The 41-year-old Norris recruited the women from gas stations and other locations. Prosecutors said he used violence, strict military structure and other means to incite fear and maintain control.

Norris, who represented himself with assistance from a court-appointed lawyer, painted himself as a falsely accused Good Samaritan interested only in promoting his business and offering the women some of whom had been homeless or drug addicts better lives as professional wrestlers.

"I think the jury's verdict vindicates the rights of the victims who were brave enough to come forward and confront this man who abused them," said Susan Coppedge, co-prosecutor in the case.

Norris is being held in a detention center in Union City until his sentencing Feb. 28. The Army veteran was unavailable for comment, but lawyer Akil Secret said he most likely will appeal the verdict.

"It still ain't over," said Lucille Norris, who insisted the allegations and charges against her son were racially motivated. The defendant is African-American, and most of his alleged victims are white.

Federal authorities, however, were pleased to win yet another conviction in their battle against pimps and others who abuse women through prostitution and forced labor.

"These cases are really tragic when you hear the victims' testimony about what they were forced to do and the conditions they suffered," said U.S. Attorney David E. Nahmias.

www.wrestlingnewsdesk.com will continue to follow this most interesting story as it develops even further.