Dotson Ordered Returned to Prison; Parole Revoked

Gary Dotson, who spent six years behind bars before the woman who had accused him of rape recanted her testimony, was ordered back to prison for at least eight months Friday for violating the terms of his parole.

Gov. James R. Thompson commuted Dotson’s 25- to 50-year sentence in 1985 after Cathleen Crowell Webb said she made up her rape story. Thompson said at the time that he did not believe Dotson was innocent but that he had served enough time in any case.

Thompson also ordered a three-year parole for Dotson.

Arrested Five Times

The Illinois Prisoner Review Board revoked that parole Friday in light of Dotson’s record--five arrests, including one for alleged wife-beating--since his release, board spokesman Kent Steinkamp said.

The board’s ruling means that Dotson will be imprisoned for at least the remainder of the parole period. But Thompson could revoke the commutation and order Dotson to serve the remainder of the rape sentence, said Terry Barnich, the governor’s chief legal counsel.

“We have to get formally notified by the board of the revocation,” Barnich said. “I expect they’ll send the paper work next week and I expect he’ll make a decision shortly after that.”

Steinkamp said Dotson will be turned over immediately to the state Corrections Department for imprisonment.

Dotson’s attorney, Thomas Breen, could not be reached for comment.

‘Parole Hold’

Dotson, 30, has been in Cook County Jail here on a “parole hold” order since Aug. 2, when his wife, Camille, told police that he struck her after he had been drinking and threatened to harm the couple’s daughter.

The misdemeanor battery charge was dropped on Aug. 27 after Camille Dotson refused to testify against her husband.

Steinkamp said the review board questioned Dotson about the battery incident and his other arrests, including a drunk-driving arrest in January.

Dotson was freed from prison on Mother’s Day, 1985, in a case that made international headlines when Webb recanted the testimony that led to his arrest and conviction. Webb, who lives in Jaffrey, N.H., could not be reached for comment Friday.