Gov. Baker Urges Reforms After Convicted Child Rapist Ordered Set Free

wayne chapman

Wayne Chapman. (FBI)

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Gov. Charlie Baker isn't happy that a Massachusetts Supreme Court justice cleared the way for the release of a convicted serial child rapist this week--and he's calling for changes to the system to prevent it from happening again.

"This guy should never get out, and I think it's unfortunate, disgraceful in some respects that we've found ourselves in this position," Gov. Baker said. "But if we can't learn from this experience and make adjustments so that it can't happen in the future, shame on us."

Wayne Chapman, 70, has admitted abusing more than 100 young boys prior to his incarceration 40 years ago, and he's long been a suspect in the disappearance of a Lawrence boy back in 1976,

Two experts examined Chapman and found him to be no longer dangerous and this week, a judge ordered him released from civil confinement. 

Read Chapman's psychological evaluation here:

Mass Highest Court Rules Child Rapist Can Be Released - Thumbnail Image

Mass Highest Court Rules Child Rapist Can Be Released

Chapman's attorney said his client is in poor health, and is too old and frail to hurt anyone.

Families of Chapman's victims continue to fight his release, and Baker agrees with them.

He said he's hoping the legislature will tighten up the laws governing the release of sex offenders like Chapman.

"We're going to file legislation this week to do two things," he said. "Number one, for serial child rapists, to significantly expand the penalties associated with that--and number two, to change the way this process works."

Baker said he doesn't believe he is able to prevent Chapman's release, but he wants to be certain other convicted child rapists don't win their release like Chapman did.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mike Macklin reports


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