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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The verdict in the Steve Barber witness-tampering trial came down just before 9:30 p.m. Friday.

After deliberating for six-and-a-half hours Friday, an Adair County jury found the Kirksville dentist guilty on both counts of tampering with a witness in the sex crimes case against his friend, Tom Oswald.

Barber himself took the stand Friday. 

He testified that he went to see Kirksville attorney Seth Shumaker at the request of Oswald. 

Shumaker was representing a couple who claimed Oswald had sexual contact with their teenage son.

The prosecution claimed Barber offered $150,000 to the couple if they would agree not to cooperate with authorities in the case against Oswald.      

Barber testified that he didn't believe he was doing anything illegal.

Shumaker caught the whole exchange on videotape. That tape was played for jurors in the Kirksville courtroom Thursday.

A sentencing date has yet to be set. The maximum sentence is seven years in prison. Barber remains free on bond until he is formally sentenced.

Adair County Prosecutor Matt Wilson told KTVO Friday night that he's pleased with the verdict.

Barber’s defense attorney Ed Campbell of Kirksville told us the jury determined the verdict, and that's all there is.

He said still believes in Dr. Barber and his innocence.

Click here for a link to the previous two day's story on the trial.