Ex-Probation Officer Accused Of Rape Killed In Randolph Crash

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A former Dorchester Municipal Court probation officer accused of raping a woman he was assigned to supervise was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon.

State Police say 50-year-old William Averill, of West Roxbury, was killed when his SUV crashed into a bridge abutment on Route 28 in Randolph. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Earlier on Tuesday, authorities announced that Averill was charged with three counts each of rape and indecent assault and battery and one count of assault with intent to rape. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.

Averill had been on administrative leave since the investigation began earlier this year.

Prosecutors say Averill was assigned to supervise the woman while she was serving a one-year probation sentence. They say Averill sexually assaulted her on 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.

The crash remains under investigation.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)