ANGLETON, Texas -- A former Pearland High School teacher was found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting one of his students, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Hollis Grizzard, 33, was a debate coach at the school when he assaulted a 15-year-old female student in a large storage closet at the back of his classroom.

Grizzard, of Spring, was charged with one count of sexual assault of a child and one count of improper sexual relationship between an educator and a student in Brazoria County. Both are felonies.

Jurors deliberated more than five hours before reaching the verdict.

In closing arguments, a prosecutor reminded jurors of the girl's testimony -- that Grizzard hurt her physically.

"(The girl) cried out in pain, but no one heard her," Assistant District Attorney Lori Rickert said. "This is not some problem wild child he can't control. This is the girl he's taking into the closet on a daily basis."

The defense argued that the student is a lying, troubled girl and enjoyed the attention it brought her at school and from her estranged family.

"She becomes a celebrity at school. Her mom becomes involved in her life. It helped her. No matter what happens, she wins," defense attorney Zack Maloney said. "She was adamant she heard the sound of a zipper during the assault. These are the pants he was wearing that day. There is no zipper. She lied."

Before becoming a teacher, Grizzard served in the army and was a journalist. According to testimony, he first tried to counsel the 15-year-old girl because she confided to him that she had a rough home life.

Prosecutors said Grizzard took advantage of her trust in the worst way.

Officials said there is a second 15-year-old student who made similar allegations against Grizzard. That charge will be tried separately. However, jurors heard evidence of that allegation.

The defense said the two girls are friends. Prosecutors said it showed a pattern.

Grizzard faces from probation to 20 years in prison.

The sentencing phase of the trial begins Wednesday morning.