NEWSLINE: JURY FINDS KOEN GUILTY AFTER TRIAL

BENTON, Ill. -- A federal jury has found a Cairo minister and civil-rights activist guilty of theft, embezzlement, arson and mail fraud.

The jury reached its verdict of guilty against the Rev. Charles Koen here Friday. Judge James L. Foreman set sentencing for April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Koen was accused of misusing government funds and of setting fire to a building that housed the United Front Inc., a social service and civil-rights agency he helped found in 1969.

The jury deliberated seven hours before returning guilty verdicts on each of the 24 counts against Koen.

Koen said he would appeal.