Accused Rapist Worked Construction At Montgomery County Schools

WHEATON, MD — A Maryland man charged with raping a 12-year-girl in Wheaton last month was working construction for the Montgomery County school system, but was unauthorized to do so because of his felonious criminal history, according to school officials.

James Allen Booker, 59, of Upper Marlboro, is accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in his vehicle outside her Wheaton home on May 23. According to Montgomery County Police, Booker has since been charged with second-degree rape and a third-degree sex offense.

Families at Thomas Edison School of Technology and Wheaton High School were first notified about Booker, his criminal history, and his contractor job in a letter on Monday.

In the letter, school officials said Booker was working on a construction project at the schools' athletic fields, but should have never been hired.

"In his role as a subcontractor, Mr. Booker was not cleared to be in any MCPS school nor to have direct contact with students," school officials wrote. "It is important to note that our background check did reveal felony criminal convictions for robbery and drug distribution on his record."

Though Booker's criminal history came up during the background check, it is unclear how he got the job.

In the letter, officials condemned Booker's alleged behavior and said the school system is fully cooperating with police in this case.

SEE ALSO:

• Man Charged In Rape Of 12-Year-Old Girl On Way Home From School