FORMER FENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT GUILTY OF INTIMIDATION

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that former Fenton High School student Matthew Balman, 17 (d.o.b. 1/3/1990), of 650 S. York Road, Bensenville was found guilty of one count of Intimidation, a Class 3 Felony for allegedly threatening students and faculty at the high school. 

            Judge George Bakalis sentenced Balman to 180 days in the DuPage County Jail.  Balman, who has already served 137 days, was released from custody this afternoon once day for day good time credit was applied to his sentence.  Judge Bakalis also ordered that Balman take part in the Probation Department’s Special Needs Assessment Program (SNAP), stay at least 1000 feet away from Fenton High School, have no offensive or harmful contact with any of the witnesses, earn his GED, enroll in college and work full time when not enrolled in college.

Today’s sentencing stems from allegations that on May 8, 2007, students at Fenton High School overheard Balman tell some students not to come to school on Wednesday, May 9.  Concerned, the students informed the Dean of what they had heard.  An investigation by the Dean and the School Resource Officer resulted in the filing of the charges and ultimately today’s sentencing.

“With the new school year upon us, it is extremely important that we remain vigilant in keeping our schools as safe as possible,” commented Birkett.  “Any violence, or even the threat of violence, will be taken very seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  School can be difficult enough for students and they should not have to worry for their own personal safety while they are attending classes.  I would like to commend the students who brought this matter to the attention of school officials.  These students are indeed heroes.  I would also like to thank officials at Fenton High School for their quick action and for bringing this matter to our attention.  Because of both the students’ and officials’ actions, a potentially harmful situation has been averted.  While Balman’s behavior was very serious, there was substantial mitigation and a need for continued evaluation and treatment.  There is no indication that Balman poses any serious threat to anyone.  It is our hope that he can become a productive member of society.” 

###