Black former probation officer charged with rape

[Whitebear]

Black former probation officer charged with rape

Willie James Steele

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A former state probation officer is accused of raping a woman who was under his supervision.
Willie James Steele, 44, was arrested at his home in Concord on Tuesday. He's charged with second-degree rape and sexual activity by a custodian.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation say the alleged victim is a 26-year-old Charlotte woman who was charged in Georgia in connection with a stolen car. The woman was paroled and allowed to return home, where Steele was assigned to be her probation officer.

Steele worked for the Department of Corrections for six years and was a level two probation parole officer, which means that he was given additional supervisory responsibilities.

According to an indictment, the alleged incidents occurred between April and November 2008.
Steele continued to work for the corrections department until April 29, 2009. Officials did not say if he resigned or if he was fired.