(Photo credit: IDOC)
It took a Wayne County jury just nine minutes Wednesday afternoon to determine that 61-year-old Thomas W. Belanger of Fairfield remains a sexually dangerous person. Belanger had been granted a jury trial in his attempt to secure release from prison, where he has spent the past ten years.
The one-day trial featured testimony from Dr. Kristopher Clounch, a psychologist, as the only witness. Belanger did not take the stand in his own defense. After returning from lunch, the jury began deliberations at 1:47 p.m. and, just nine minutes later, delivered their verdict that Belanger is still sexually dangerous and should remain incarcerated.
Belanger was originally convicted in April 2016 of criminal sexual assault with force, aggravated domestic battery with strangulation, and aggravated assault with a rifle. Following his conviction, the court ruled him sexually dangerous and sentenced him to prison. He will continue to be held at Big Muddy Prison in Ina until he can prove he is no longer sexually dangerous.