Parole Board agrees to release of rapist

A Kalispell rapist can be released from prison early if he follows through on treatment.

The Montana Board of Pardons and Parole decided in late February that Heath Earl Baughn, 35, can be released from Montana State Prison if he completes the second part of a sex offender treatment program, a cognitive thinking program and a pre-release program.

Timothy Allred, executive director of the Parole Board, said that Baughn has completed about two-fifths of his treatment that can typically take two years to complete.

“He will have to complete the program before he is paroled,” Allred said.

Baughn was sentenced in September 2014 to 20 years in prison with 13 years suspended by Flathead District Court Judge Robert Allison for sexual intercourse without consent.

Baughn raped a 14-year-old girl after plying her with tequila and marijuana.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.