Behavioral Health Worker Accused of Raping Woman at Center in Virginia
Fairfax County VA Feb 14 2019 A man who worked at a northern Virginia community center for people living with disabilities has been accused of raping a woman who had mental health issues, Fairfax County police said.
Bernard Betts-King, 60, was charged with “raping a woman through the use of her mental incapacity.”
Betts-King was working with the victim as a behavioral specialist at the MVLE Community Center when the rape occurred early in 2018, according to a police statement.
The family went to police after learning the woman was pregnant.
“In August of 2018, our detectives were notified by a family member that the victim had unfortunately become pregnant, and she was not capable of consent due to physical and mental capacities,” Fairfax County police Capt. Thea Pirnat said.
Police used DNA to develop Betts-King as a suspect. They believe they’ve identified another victim. They are using DNA to try to link him to that victim as well.
MVLE said it is cooperating with the police investigation and Betts-King no longer works for the agency.
MVLE said on its website that it helps people with disabilities find jobs or get training, in addition to providing other social services.
Betts-King also worked for Community Living Alternatives in Fairfax.
“We were shocked, taken aback by it,” Executive Director Susan Keenan said. “We’re focused entirely on making sure that our individuals are safe and healthy right now.”
It’s unclear if Betts-King has a lawyer who could comment.
NBC Washington
