By AP/KWMU
Farmington, MO – It took jurors just 17 minutes Wednesday to convict Thomas Ingrassia of property damage. Ingrassia is the serial rapist who escaped the state's Sexual Predator lockup in Farmington in 2001.
But a loophole in state law - which has since been closed - prevented Ingrassia from being charged with escape. In fact, Ingrassia told the Post-Dispatch upon his recapture that he knew of the loophole and knew he couldn't be charged.
All prosecutors could charge him with is property damage, for cutting through a security fence to escape from the lockup.
Ingrassia was recaptured in 2003 after moving to Florida and starting a new life, including getting married. His wife became suspicious and contacted police.
Ingrassia could get up to seven years in prison for property damage. He'll be sentenced February 18th.