Ex-probation officer accused of raping woman he supervised

BOSTON (AP) — A former Dorchester Municipal Court probation officer is accused of raping a woman he was assigned to supervise.

Authorities announced Tuesday that William Averill, of West Roxbury, is charged with three counts each of rape and indecent assault and battery and one count of assault with intent to rape.

The 50-year-old Averill has 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.

Averill is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

A message left for Averill’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned.