Jury finds former Champaign man sexually violent

URBANA – A Champaign County jury Wednesday agreed with two psychologists that Eric T. Smith is likely to commit more sex acts if he is released into society.

After deliberating an hour, the jury found Smith, 44, formerly of Champaign, sexually violent. Judge Richard Klaus then held a perfunctory hearing to order that Smith be held by the Department of Human Services, at its locked facility in Rushville, until he no longer suffers from the mental disorder that makes him likely to offend again.

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