CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Joseph Lavigne Jr., whose saga has wound through the court system for more than 20 years, may come home as soon as Wednesday morning.
Late Tuesday afternoon, a panel of the state Parole Board voted to accept the most recent Home Plan submitted on behalf of Lavigne, clearing the way for his release on parole. It was the third plan submitted on behalf of the former Putnam County resident.
The Office of Parole Services, which will supervise Lavigne upon his release, had earlier recommended that this Home Plan be accepted.
It is possible that Lavigne could be released as early as Wednesday from Huttonsville Correctional Center.
Lavigne has served more than 20 years in prison after being convicted of the rape of his then-5-year-old daughter.
Lavigne’s daughter, Katie Haught Kelly, was one of those who addressed the Parole Board in his support during a hearing in late September. She has said publicly that she doesn’t believe he was the one who raped her.
Upon his release, Lavigne would have to abide by the rules and regulations of supervision by Parole Services. He would also have additional conditions to meet as a convicted sex offender. Those conditions include making no contact with anyone under the age of 18 and registering as sex offender.
Lavigne was released from prison in 2012 after Putnam Circuit Judge O.C. Spaulding overturned his 1996 conviction and ordered a new trial. The state Supreme Court then overruled Spaulding and ordered Lavigne to be sent back to prison.