Head of MA National Guard resigns amid rape accusations

BOSTON (WWLP) - Governor Deval Patrick has accepted the resignation of the leader of the Massachusetts National Guard, following accusations of rape against Major General Joseph Carter .

The U.S. Army launched an investigation into reports that Carter had raped a subordinate in Florida nearly 30 years ago.

Patrick had decided to suspend Carter, who was serving as Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, when the allegations surfaced back in April.

Investigators in the case were not able to reach definitive conclusions about the allegations against Carter, and they decided not to prosecute. Still, Carter has decided to leave the National Guard, and Governor Patrick says that this is the right thing to do.

“Although the investigators were unable to reach definitive conclusions about the allegations, and federal authorities declined to prosecute, the report raises serious questions about the General’s actions and his response to the allegations,” Patrick wrote in a statement sent to 22News. “It is clear to me that General Carter can no longer serve as Adjutant General.”

Since Patrick suspended Carter, MG Leon Scott Rice has served as interim Adjutant General. Patrick says Rice will now continue in this role.