Army Won't Confirm Carter Rape Investigation

BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Army is declining to confirm statements by state officials that it is investigating allegations that the head of the Massachusetts National Guard raped a subordinate in Florida nearly 30 years ago.

Secretary of Public Safety Mary Beth Heffernan said Friday that Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter was put on paid leave after he told the governor he was the subject of an investigation by the Army's Criminal Investigations Command.

Spokesman Christopher Grey declined Saturday to confirm that the agency is investigating Carter's case. He cites an agency policy of not denying or confirming ongoing investigations to ensure the rights of victims and suspects are protected.

Grey says the agency also does not comment on alleged sexual assaults to protect the accuser and the rights of all involved.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.