Paroled Rapist That Had Been Living In Danvers Back In Prison

DANVERS, MA — A convicted rapist who had been living in Danvers since last month was sent back to prison Tuesday after multiple violations of the conditions of his parole.

Benjamin LaGuer, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1984 after being convicted of raping his 59-year-old neighbor in Leominster, has terminal liver cancer and received medical parole. He was living John Archer, a philanthropist who has long supported LaGuer's claims that he was wrongfully convicted.

But according to the Salem News, which first reported this story, the Massachusetts Parole Board revoked his parole after multiple violations and warnings. The board did not release specific details after LaGuer was taken into custody Tuesday.

LaGuer has maintained he was wrongfully convicted even after a 2002 DNA test further linked him to the crime. Appeals courts have upheld LaGuer's conviction, including a 2007 ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Prior to the 2002 DNA test, LaGuer drew support from high profile state leaders, including former Gov. Deval Patrick, who wrote letters to the state Parole Board and donated money for the DNA test. Other supporters included the late Boston University President John Silber and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel and Deval Patrick.