Chattanooga city worker placed on leave after rape arrest

photo Carlton Wayne Cameron.
photo Shrena Bell.

A city worker has posted a $60,000 bond and his accomplice remains in custody after both were charged with kidnapping and raping a woman, according to authorities.

Cartlon Wayne Cameron, 52, posted bond Monday night after he was charged with several counts of aggravated rape and other charges, including kidnapping and robbery.

According to records, he is employed as a crew worker for the city of Chattanooga.

Cameron, who has worked for the city since 1986, will be placed on administrative leave with pay for a maximum of 72 hours - with pay - while city officials review the charges, per city policy.

His accomplice, Shrena M. Bell, had a $34,000 bond set after she was booked last night, according to authorities. She faces several counts of rape as well as kidnapping and robbery.

Both Cameron and Bell are scheduled to appear in court March 15.

Bell has a prior arrest record that includes prostitution and drug possession.

Bell is accused of approaching a woman as she was leaving Warehouse Row on Market Street Friday and asking for directions. Bell then held a knife to the victim's throat and ordered her to move to the passenger seat of a vehicle, the victim told police.

Bell reportedly drove the woman to a residence and picked up Cameron, reports say, then all three drove to another residence at 3120 W. 16th Ave., where the victim was taken to a room and locked inside.

With one holding the victim down, Cameron and Bell took turns performing sex acts on the woman, according to reports.

"The victim also reported that the suspects repeatedly threatened to harm or kill her and her family members if she did not cooperate," the report said.

During the attack, the man was referred to as "Carl" and the woman as "Re Re," the report said.

Several pieces of jewelry also were taken from the woman, the report said.

The victim suffered bruising to her inner thighs, upper arms and knees, which corroborated the version of events she gave to police.

The report did not state how the victim got away.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.

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