Man to be compensated for wrongful imprisonment

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The state’s Claims Board will compensate a man for the time he spent in prison over charges that were eventually dismissed after the victim recanted her testimony.

Willie Gavin, who lived in Kenosha when he was convicted but now resides in Riverdale, Ill., appeared before the state’s Claims Board on May 11 to request more than $48,700 for the time he spent behind bars.

The board announced Friday that Gavin’s request was approved.

“The board notes the facts of this case establish clearly and convincingly that Mr. Gavin was innocent of the crime for which he was imprisoned,” according to the board’s decision.

Gavin was convicted of child enticement and first-degree sexual assault of his stepdaughter in 1997. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to eight years in prison and 15 years of probation. He was put on supervision in 2002.

The charges were dismissed in February 2014, after the alleged victim, now in her 20s, recanted her testimony, which was given when she was 6 years old.

Christopher Rose, Gavin’s attorney, said he had spoken with Gavin’s family, though not with Gavin himself.

“Obviously, we’re very happy with the results,” Rose said. “Justice has been served.” Follow @erikastrebel