Convicted rapist Ben LaGuer back in prison after violating medical parole

DANVERS, Mass. — A convicted rapist who has long claimed his innocence has been sent back to prison after violating the terms of his medical parole.

Benjamin LaGuer was sentenced to life in prison in 1984 but because he has terminal cancer, he was granted parole in February.

On Tuesday, he was arrested in Danvers for violating the conditions and returned to a medium security prison.

“Benjamin Laguer was returned to custody today following violations of his conditions of release. These violations continued despite warnings and other graduated sanctions. Parole revocation proceedings will be scheduled in the weeks to come.”

—  Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

The victim’s family spoke to Boston 25 News last month and told him they were angry and frustrated.

“It was gut-wrenching. I was very surprised, very taken aback. Couldn’t really believe what I was hearing,” said Robert Barry, the victim’s son-in-law.

LaGuer was convicted of brutally raping Barry’s mother-in-law in 1983.

In court filings, LaGuer’s attorney claimed he was diagnosed with liver cancer. Barry has his doubts because he says he and his family were kept in the dark as LaGuer’s fate was being considered.

“I have mixed reports about his medical condition and that bothers me, it bothers me a great deal. I don’t trust him,” Barry said.

LaGuer’s family has always claimed he didn’t do it and was wrongly convicted but the victim’s family never had a doubt about LaGuer’s guilt.

Behind bars, LaGuer enlisted the support of powerful people, including former governor and now-Democratic presidential candidate Deval Patrick, who donated money to LaGuer’s case.

Much of that support, however, seemed to vanish once DNA testing implicated LaGuer.

He was released on the following conditions of parole:

• No contact with victim’s family or any witness of the Commonwealth
• Home restriction except for religious, medical or attorney appointments.
• Must notify parole officer prior to travel outside home zone.
• Day of release - must report to Mass. parole office or make arraignments for parole to visit.
• Travel only within Essex, Middlesex and Suffolk counties.
• Mandatory: sex A conditions
• Electronic monitoring
• Polygraph testing
• Waive work two weeks or medical
• Curfew 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Provide current release forms for all providers
• Supervise for drugs; testing in according with agency policy
• Supervise for liquor abstinence; testing in according with agency policy
• Follow recommendations/treatment of medical provider(s)
• Home plan prior to release to MA field office

[Convicted rapist released on medical parole]

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