On-leave Austin Police Department Capt. Curt Rude’s future with the Austin Police Department remains uncertain, as he will stay on unpaid leave after he was found guilty on two of three counts against him Thursday, according to Police Chief Paul Philipp.

A 12-member jury found Rude guilty of felony drug possession and gross misdemeanor interfering with property in official custody.

Despite the convictions, Philipp said it’s too early for the department to make a decision concerning Rude’s future.

“Too many things are unknown,” Philipp said.

The APD will look to city attorney David Hoversten for advice on how to proceed, Philipp said. The Civil Service Commission will also play a role in determining Rude’s future, but Philipp said the commission is not yet aware of potential options.

After the trial, Rude’s lawyer, Peter Wold, said the conviction likely means the end of Rude’s career in law enforcement, both in Austin and elsewhere.

Rude had been on the force in Austin for 23 years before being put on unpaid leave in November 2007.

Philipp said the future court actions — the sentencing, possible appeals, and a possible sentence reduction — will play a role as the department determines Rude’s future with the force.

Judge Kevin Lund said after the verdict that he will strongly consider applying state statute 152.18 during sentencing, which essentially drops a first-time drug offense from someone’s record.

Rude could appeal the convictions, but Wold did not yet wish to discuss that possibility after the trial ended on Thursday.

Rude is set for sentencing Dec. 21 in Olmsted County, which is where the trial was held because of concerns regarding impartiality in Mower County given Rude’s public status.