TITUSVILLE, Florida – A Brevard County jury Thursday found Christopher Wood guilty of kidnapping and raping his wife, rejecting the defense argument that it was consensual sex.

After deliberating for nearly 10 hours, the jury convicted Wood on all counts — the single charges of kidnapping and aggravated battery and six counts of sexual battery by use of great force.

Wood, 31, could now face life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14.

After the verdict was read, his wife said: “I just prayed for the truth to be heard.”

Wood showed no reaction.

Prosecutors had argued that Wood sexually assaulted his estranged wife and filmed the act while she was tied to a tree.

Wood’s attorney, assistant public defender Jeffrey Nuss, claimed the couple had agreed to make a video featuring a rape scene to sell in order to pay off debts that put their home at risk.

During the trial, which began Tuesday, Nuss had tried to attack
the credibility of the wife’s testimony. He said that during the video, she did not appear distressed, as she claimed she was during the entire episode.

“She stands totally calm,” he said.

He hinted at a possible custody dispute, saying Wood had threatened to take away their three children.

Assistant State Attorney Samantha Barrett argued the video clearly showed nonconsensual sex and torture. Barrett blasted the story of a porn video made to pay off a mortgage. She said Wood couldn’t say who he had lined up to buy such a video.

“Who was going to pay him cash in hand, sight unseen?” she said.

“Does he have Larry Flynt on speed dial?” Barrett asked, referring to the publisher of Hustler magazine.

She said the couple had other ways to pay off their debts — Wood could have gotten a job, sold the $600 video camera, or his wife could have gotten full-time work as a teacher.