A southern Illinois man convicted of the 2008 shooting death of a New Baden man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.  Lortez D. Thomas of Washington Park was found guilty in May in the death of 47-year old Eric Mollet.  However, the Saint Clair County jury acquitted Thomas of raping two female witnesses.  The 35-year old Thomas maintained his innocence during Thursday’s sentencing hearing.  He offered condolences to members of Mollet’s family, adding he “didn’t do this.”  However, Saint Clair County Circuit Judge Jan Fiss dismissed Thomas’ comments, calling the murder of Mollet “cold-blooded” and “despicable.”  Prosecutors say Mollet was shot to death in Thomas’ home after becoming involved in a fight with Thomas and two other men.  Mollet’s body was hidden in a vacant house that was set afire.