Probation system director's last day is Friday

Raleigh, N.C. — The head of the state's probation system says his last day on the job will be Jan. 9.

Robert Guy, director of the Division of Community Corrections, is retiring from the post Feb. 1 after nearly a year of critical headlines involving his agency.

The probation system came under fire last year following the slayings of Eve Carson, the student body president at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University graduate student Abhijit Mahato.

One man charged in both slayings and a second man charged just in Carson's death were on probation at the time of the two killings, but their probation officers failed to keep close tabs on them.

He told WRAL News on Saturday that Governor-elect Beverly Perdue's transition office informed him Friday that he would not be asked to stay in the position under her administration.

She will take office Jan. 10.

Guy, who began as a probation officer 31 years ago and has served as director for the past 12 years, has acknowledged his division has made mistakes but has said judges' decisions, limited funding and state laws often hindered probation officers' efforts.

"I love our chosen profession, and I will always love and cherish our work together and wish you all the best," he said in a letter to his staff.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of this great for the past 31 years alongside each of you," he continued.