SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Aaron Thomas has been acquitted of second-degree child molestation and second-degree sexual assault, but a jury found him guilty of two counts of misdemeanor battery, following a grueling trial that spanned more than a month.

A Washington County jury announced the decision Monday after three days of deliberating on the charges against the former North Kingstown High School coach.

The penalty for battery is up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for each count. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.

The former coach showed little emotion when the jury read out its decision, although he appeared somewhat relieved.

John MacDonald, one of Thomas's attorneys, requested that the jury be allowed to consider the lesser charges of battery before the trial began with witness testimony on April 7.

Outside the courthouse Monday, MacDonald told reporters that Thomas was not going to speak publicly until sentencing. MacDonald thanked the jury for its decision.

"We were very satisfied that the jury saw the case as we saw it: no sexual intent whatsoever," MacDonald said.

MacDonald said the decision to ask for the lesser charge of battery worked out in the case.

"The jury needed to compromise -- they needed an alternative charge," MacDonald said. "That alternative charge was battery, and that's exactly what they compromised on."

A former student who testified against Thomas at trial expressed disappointment with the verdict.

"An adult teacher/coach touching a naked underaged student in a locked, windowless room during school hours without parental consent is a misdemeanor offense. Let that sink in," he said in a statement. "If that isn’t a wake up call for us all I don’t know what is. 

Another student -- one of the two complaining witnesses in the case -- called for changes to state law.

"This verdict is proof perfect of how our laws fall short of holding authority figures accountable for abuses on children," he said.

R.I. Attorney General Peter Neronha echoed the sentiment, pointing to his attempts at expanding the three-year statute of limitations tied to the second-degree sexual assault law.

"Had the statute of limitations been 10 years rather than three during the commission of these crimes, we could have, and would have, charged the defendant with many more crimes," Neronha said.

“Above all else, this case is about the victims who suffered greatly behind closed doors," he added. "And despite what the defendant and his defense would have you believe, pseudo-science is not an excuse for abuse, nor is winning more important than well-being. We believe that what took place here was not just bad judgment, it was, and always has been, criminal conduct."

Parents of two former students who testified against Thomas issued a statement, saying they were shocked when they first learned their now-adult sons went through Thomas' "naked fat test" program in high school.

"There was some initial concern about potential backlash our sons would experience by exposing Mr. Thomas’ program but we fully supported them every step of the way," said the parents, who attended the seven-week trial and heard their children testify on the stand.

"We have admired their strength and tenacity throughout the past few years," they added. "As a family, we have learned a great deal from this process. Our sons and their wives certainly have a different perspective as they raise their children, and we could not be prouder of them."

Neronha likewise praised the former high school students who came forward and spoke to law enforcement in the case.

"I want to express my deep gratitude to the brave victims who told their stories, whether on the stand or to investigators," he said. "Please remember this: your exceptional courage here is not invalidated by this verdict."

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