Massachusetts ex-probation officer accused of rape dead in car crash
RANDOLPH, Mass. -- A former probation officer who was set to be arraigned on charges he raped a woman he was assigned to supervise has been killed in a car crash.
Authorities said 50-year-old William Averill, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, faced charges including rape and indecent assault and battery, which were announced on Tuesday, CBS Boston reports. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.
State police say Averill was killed shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday on state Route 28 in Randolph. Police say his car left the roadway, traveled onto the sidewalk and hit a bridge abutment. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Prosecutors say Averill, a former Dorchester Municipal Court probation officer, sexually assaulted a woman Jan. 5 when she reported to Averill's office for probation.
Authorities launched an investigation after the victim reported the assault to a relative, who contacted police, CBS Boston reports. Averill had been on administrative leave since the investigation began.
Officials say Averill's lawyer notified prosecutors of Averill's death. The crash remains under investigation.