Notorious child rapist can't be held as sexually dangerous person, SJC rules

The Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday ordered that a notorious child rapist can no longer be held as a sexually dangerous person. Wayne Chapman was convicted of raping two boys in Lawrence in the 1970s and has allegedly admitted to assaulting as many as 100 other children. A judge ordered his release in June, saying his sentence was complete and he was too frail to attack again. The Department of Correction and two of his victims tried to block his release. Thursday's order doesn't mean he'll immediately be set free because of a newer charge. Chapman allegedly exposed himself to a female prison worker last year and is currently being held on $25,000 bail.

The Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday ordered that a notorious child rapist can no longer be held as a sexually dangerous person.

Wayne Chapman was convicted of raping two boys in Lawrence in the 1970s and has allegedly admitted to assaulting as many as 100 other children.

A judge ordered his release in June, saying his sentence was complete and he was too frail to attack again.

The Department of Correction and two of his victims tried to block his release.

Thursday's order doesn't mean he'll immediately be set free because of a newer charge.

Chapman allegedly exposed himself to a female prison worker last year and is currently being held on $25,000 bail.