SALT LAKE CITY — A federal jury found a rambling street preacher guilty today of the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart in a case that has tugged at hearts around the nation ever since the Utah teenager was snatched from her bedroom and resurfaced nine months later.

Brian David Mitchell could face up to life in prison when he is sentenced on May 25.

Elizabeth Smart gave a slight smile as she heard the guilty verdicts on charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines for the purposes of illegal sex.

Smart then turned to her mother and both smiled. Elizabeth Smart later hugged prosecutors in the Salt Lake City courtroom.

To the chagrin of the family, the case was delayed for years after Mitchell was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial in state court and a judge refused to order involuntary medications. Federal prosecutors later stepped in and took the case to trial.

Carlie Christensen, the U.S. attorney for Utah, praised Elizabeth Smart for her extraordinary courage and determination in seeing justice was done.

“She told it with candor, with clarity and with truthfulness that I think moved all of us,” Christensen said.