Mass. man who battled conviction in 1983 rape loses 4th parole bid after 27 years behind bars

Mass. man denied 4th parole bid in 1983 rape case

BOSTON — A Massachusetts man who once had high-profile support as he has battled his conviction for a 1983 rape has lost his fourth bid for parole.

Benjamin LaGuer (lah-GEHR’) is serving a life sentence for the aggravated rape of a 59-year-old neighbor. The 46-year-old was once backed by figures including Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel and linguist Noam Chomsky, and former Boston University President John Silber testified at his April parole hearing.

The state Parole Board said in a decision Friday that LaGuer was dishonest during his hearing and has a lengthy disciplinary history. It also said LaGuer has not sought significant sex offender treatment.

LaGuer has repeatedly said he won’t participate in any program that requires him to admit guilt.

His attorney didn’t immediately return a message for comment.