A judge Monday refused to allow a 43-year-old man ruled a sexual predator to move into an apartment on the city’s west side.
Residents had gathered nearly 1,400 signatures on a petition opposing Ervin Burris’ release to a neighborhood near a park and three elementary schools.
Rock County Circuit Judge James Welker ruled Burris must be revaluated and remain in custody until a Sept. 22 hearing.
The order was a “small victory” for Beloit, city manager Daniel Kelley said.
The state Department of Corrections had found the apartment for Burris, who served more than eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor, public defender Walter Isaacson said.
Burris was to be strictly monitored while undergoing treatment, he said. There were no children living in the apartment house.
Those opposed to his release, including Kelley and Beloit Police Department officials, said Burris was a high risk and had shown no signs of remorse or cooperation with treatment.
