19/08/2026
For immediate release:
Jonathan Belanger Sentenced to 25 Years for Gross Sexual Assault against a long-term partner
Contact:
Maeghan Maloney, District Attorney
207-592-7919
AUGUSTA, Maine — District Attorney Maeghan Maloney announced that Jonathan Belanger has been convicted of four counts of Gross Sexual Assault and other domestic violence related crimes against his long-term partner and has been sentenced to 25 years to serve, followed by a consecutive 18 years of probation with an additional 60 years that could be imposed if he violates his probation.
The convictions arose from a series of sexual assaults committed against the victim, who was also the mother of Mr. Belanger's children. The Court imposed a sentence designed to reflect the seriousness of the offenses, protect the community, and recognize the profound harm inflicted upon the victim.
During sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Jake Demosthenes described Mr. Belanger's conduct as "a sustained campaign of terror against the mother of his children." The State argued that the offenses were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing pattern of abuse and coercion that caused significant and lasting harm to the victim.
In imposing sentence, Justice Mitchell emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that Mr. Belanger repeatedly disregarded the victim's autonomy and right to control her own body. The Court characterized the conduct as involving "heinous acts by any measure."
Justice Mitchell also discussed the purposes of sentencing under Maine law, including the need to provide notice to the community of the type of sentence that will be imposed for this conduct. The Court explained that the sentence reflects both the seriousness of the offenses and society's condemnation of sexual violence.
"Sexual assault is a profound violation of an individual's bodily autonomy, dignity, and personal security," District Attorney Maloney said. "When those crimes are committed by an intimate partner, the harm is often magnified by the betrayal of trust and the abuse of a relationship that should provide safety and support. No person gives up the right to consent because they are dating, living with, married to, or share children with another person."
District Attorney Maloney noted that sexual violence within intimate relationships often goes unreported because victims may fear retaliation, financial instability, disruption to their family, or impacts on their children.
"Sexual assault committed by a partner is particularly damaging because it is frequently part of a broader pattern of control and abuse," Maloney said. "The law is clear that every person retains the right to bodily autonomy and to be free from sexual violence, regardless of the nature or duration of a relationship."
District Attorney Maloney thanked the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office for its thorough investigation of the case, particularly Detective John Bourque, Detective Devin Polizzotti, and Deputy Nathan Johnson, whose work was instrumental in uncovering the evidence and presenting the case for prosecution. The thorough investigation of this case resulted in indisputable evidence of Mr. Belanger’s guilt. She also thanked Assistant District Attorney Jake Demosthenes, victim advocates, and court personnel for their dedication and professionalism throughout the proceedings. Maloney also praised the victim for her courage to come forward.
"This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's conduct and the lasting impact these crimes have on survivors," Maloney said. "We are grateful for the courageous participation of the victim in the criminal justice system and the diligent efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team in securing justice in this case."
