Bennett's ex-stepfather sentencedSAN ANTONIO The former stepfather of slain 12-year-old Brooke Bennett was sentenced Friday to nearly 17 years in prison on child pornography charges that surfaced while authorities investigated her disappearance last summer. Published on: September 12, 2009 |
Feds seek death for JacquesMONTPELIER – The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it would seek the death penalty for Michael Jacques, the man accused of killing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett last summer. Published on: August 26, 2009 |
A year later, reflecting on a young lifeWEST BRAINTREE — Shortly after her daughter's death last summer, Cassandra Adams was overcome with emotion when she saw a little girl pushing a stroller down the street. Published on: June 25, 2009 |
Jacques' case proceeds 'methodically'MONTPELIER – During the nearly 12 months since sex offender Michael Jacques was arrested for allegedly raping and killing his niece, the case against the Randolph man has proceeded as most high-profile murder cases do. Published on: June 25, 2009 |
Bennett killing sparked tougher laws for VermontOn March 9, Bennington County prosecutors charged a 55-year-old man with the rape of a 12-year-old girl. Published on: June 25, 2009 |
Plea deal in porn case for Bennett's ex-stepfatherSAN ANTONIO The former stepfather of Brooke Bennett pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography in a plea deal approved Monday by a federal court judge in Texas. Published on: April 14, 2009 |
Texas court considers plea deal for Bennett's stepfatherMONTPELIER Brooke Bennett's former stepfather may cut a deal with prosecutors in Texas and Alabama for his alleged role in the 12-year-old girl's 2008 rape and murder, according to court documents. Published on: February 24, 2009 |
Bennett's stepfather works on plea dealBURLINGTON (AP) The former stepfather of a 12-year-old Braintree girl who was abducted and killed last year is seeking a plea deal on child pornography charges. Published on: February 23, 2009 |
Bennett case sparks bill to make easier legislative subpoenasMONTPELIER A bill before the Vermont Senate this week would make it easier for legislative committees to subpoena witnesses. Published on: February 17, 2009 |
Jacques pleads not guilty in Bennett murderBURLINGTON Across from the federal courthouse where Michael Jacques pleaded not guilty Wednesday to kidnapping and murdering his 12-year-old niece, the slain girl's stepmother cradled a framed photograph of his alleged victim: Brooke Bennett, sitting with her knees together in a patterned dress, smiled out from behind the plate glass. Published on: October 9, 2008 |
Jacques to plead not guiltyBURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) _ A man accused of kidnapping and killing his niece will enter a plea of not guilty Wednesday in federal court. Published on: October 8, 2008 |
Jacques to face federal chargesMONTPELIER Brooke Bennett's accused kidnapper and killer will appear in a Burlington court Wednesday to face new federal charges that could see him put to death if convicted. Published on: October 7, 2008 |
Brooke Bennett news brings anger, pain to RandolphRANDOLPH As a close friend of the Bennett family, Mary Larson, more than anyone, wants "Justice for Brooke." Published on: October 3, 2008 |
Jacques charged with murder of Brooke BennettA Randolph Center man has been charged with kidnapping and strangling his 12-year-old niece in a chilling murder case that prompted a wholesale review of Vermont's criminal justice system. Published on: October 2, 2008 |
'Justice for Brooke' : Friends of dead girl testify before lawmakersMONTPELIER Jonathan Larson, a Randolph firefighter, arrived at a public hearing on sexual violence Thursday night at the Statehouse with a picture of Brooke Bennett pinned to his crisp white dress shirt. Published on: August 29, 2008 |
Judges explain silence on JacquesMONTPELIER Lawmakers reviewing the criminal laws and procedures of the state in light of the murder of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett have heard from members of the public, from administration officials and from probation officers. They have talked about the case with advocates for abused children, defense lawyers and prosecutors. Published on: August 18, 2008 |
Jacques waives court hearingBURLINGTON The man accused of kidnapping Brooke Bennett waived a preliminary hearing Wednesday, the latest delay in court proceedings stemming from the death of the 12-year-old Braintree girl. Published on: August 14, 2008 |
Death penalty experts join Jacques' defenseMONTPELIER Two lawyers with extensive experience in capital cases have joined the defense team of Michael Jacques in anticipation that prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the convicted sex offender accused of kidnapping 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Published on: August 13, 2008 |
Sex offender registry hot meeting topicRANDOLPH CENTER About 30 people attended a panel discussion in Randolph Center Thursday night to hear officials from the Legislature, law enforcement, Department of Children and Families and other organizations detail how the state handles sexual predators. Published on: August 8, 2008 |
Corrections comes under fire in the Jacques caseMONTPELIER Michael Jacques, charged last month in connection with the murder of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, was convicted in New Hampshire in 2005 for failing to comply with that state's sex offender registry laws. Published on: August 8, 2008 |
Search ends for laptop in Bennett caseMONTPELIER Texas investigators have ceased searching a dump there for a computer allegedly containing evidence connected with the Brooke Bennett case, according to media reports in the state. Published on: August 6, 2008 |
Bennett case: Prosecutors get more timeMONTPELIER A magistrate agreed Thursday to give prosecutors more time to make their case against two men facing charges in the case of 12-year-old slaying victim Brooke Bennett, saying the interests of justice outweigh the suspects' right to a speedy trial. Published on: August 1, 2008 |
Delay is sought in Jacques caseMONTPELIER Prosecutors in the Brooke Bennett case asked a judge Wednesday to waive the Speedy Trial Act and delay accused kidnapper Michael Jacques' indictment as they continue their investigation. Published on: July 31, 2008 |
Jacques' sex offenses go back decadesEditor's note: the following article contains graphic sexual and violent content. Published on: July 20, 2008 |
Tougher laws, safer kids?Jessica Marie Lunsford died in 2005 at age 9. She had been kidnapped from her home in Homosassa, Fla., raped by repeat sexual offender John Couey, then buried alive. Published on: July 20, 2008 |
Kimball Library required warrant for Brooke Bennett recordsRANDOLPH Children's librarian Judith Flint was getting ready for the monthly book discussion group for 8- and 9-year-olds on "Love That Dog" when police showed up. Published on: July 20, 2008 |
Brooke Bennett's former stepfather indicted for pornography in TexasSAN ANTONIO (AP) The former stepfather of a 12-year-old Vermont girl found dead earlier this month was indicted Wednesday on child pornography charges. Published on: July 17, 2008 |
Prosecutor had fought Jacques' probation releaseMONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) _ When Michael Jacques came up for early release from probation, a prosecutor didn't think it was a good idea, telling a judge that as a twice-convicted sex offender, Jacques shouldn't go without supervision. Published on: July 14, 2008 |
Texas FBI searching landfill for clues in Bennett caseMONTPELIER Federal authorities in Texas searched a landfill this week where they believe a laptop or hard drive containing evidence related to Brooke Bennett's disappearance and death last month may be located. Published on: July 12, 2008 |
Parole officer recommended Michael Jacques be releasedMONTPELIER Reversing what it said last week, the state Department of Corrections now says it recommended the release from probation of a convicted sex offender accused of kidnapping 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Published on: July 11, 2008 |
More than 1,000 attend Bennett funeralRANDOLPH Three days before what would have been her 13th birthday, at least 1,000 people attended a late-morning funeral Wednesday to say goodbye to Brooke Bennett. Published on: July 10, 2008 |
Friends, family turn out to pay respects to Brooke BennettRANDOLPH Amid sprays of flowers, snapshots from her short life and somber greetings, mourners Tuesday remembered 12-year-old Brooke Bennett at a wake in the building where she just graduated from seventh grade. Published on: July 9, 2008 |
At Brooke Bennett's wake a somber sceneRANDOLPH, Vt. (AP) _ Amid sprays of flowers, snapshots from her short life and somber greetings, mourners Tuesday remembered 12-year-old Brooke Bennett at a wake in the building where she just graduated from seventh grade. Published on: July 8, 2008 |
Prosecutor: Bennett's death ruled homicideBURLINGTON Brooke Bennett was murdered and then buried in a grave near her uncle's Randolph Center home, a federal prosecutor confirmed Monday. Published on: July 8, 2008 |
Slain girl's former stepfather due in court todayMONTPELIER Brooke Bennett's former stepfather is due in federal court today to face allegations that he hindered the investigation into the 12-year-old Randolph girl's kidnapping and death. Published on: July 7, 2008 |
Missing girl case looked outward then turned homeMONTPELIER At first, the case of missing Brooke Bennett appeared to be a story of an abduction by an Internet predator who befriended the 12-year-old Braintree girl through her MySpace page. Published on: July 5, 2008 |
Gagnon's Texas landlord had unwitting role in Bennett caseWhen Kevin Grosenheider in San Antonio received a call early Monday from his friend, Raymond Gagnon, asking him to dispose of a safe, he decided to help him out. Published on: July 5, 2008 |
Details in police's case reveal chilling, devious planning by victim's uncleMONTPELIER When Brooke Bennett's face became known across Vermont last week, it was as a missing 12-year-old girl from Braintree and the focus of the state's first Amber Alert. Published on: July 5, 2008 |
Jacques could face deathMONTPELIER The uncle of a missing 12-year-old Braintree girl found dead this week could face the death penalty if convicted of a federal kidnapping charge, police and prosecutors said Thursday. Published on: July 4, 2008 |
Brooke Bennett was bright flame, determined girlThose who knew Brooke Bennett, whether it was in the halls of Randolph High School or out on the lacrosse field, knew the young girl's enthusiasm for Halloween. Published on: July 4, 2008 |
Brooke Bennett's remains discovered off Crocker RoadRANDOLPH CENTER Police on Wednesday found the body of a 12-year-old Braintree girl near the home of a Randolph Center man suspected in her kidnapping. Published on: July 3, 2008 |
Read the Gagnon affidavit *Warning contains graphic material*Published on: July 3, 2008 |
Remembering BrookeA crowd holds up candles in memory of Braintree 12-year-old Brooke Bennette, whose body was found by police Wednesday in Randolph Center. The event had been originally scheduled candlellight vigil, but turned into a memorial for the Braintree girl, who had been missing since Wednesday. Published on: July 3, 2008 |
In court papers, Jacques accused of falsifying Web postsBURLINGTON Brooke Bennett's uncle concocted an elaborate ruse to misdirect police investigating the disappearance of his 12-year-old niece, according to federal court papers released Wednesday. Published on: July 3, 2008 |
A community mourns Brooke BennettRANDOLPH - The news was too fresh and too raw. Published on: July 3, 2008 |
Statement from Col. Baker of the VSP on discovery of bodyStatement by Col. James Baker, director of the Vermont State Police, on finding the body of Brooke Bennett: Published on: July 2, 2008 |
State police: Body believed to be that of Brooke Bennett foundBETHEL, Vt. (AP) _ The body of a missing 12-year-old whose uncle allegedly planned to force her into a sex ring the day she disappeared was found Wednesday in Randolph, not far from his house. Published on: July 2, 2008 |
More than 300 people are gathered to mourn Brooke BennettRANDOLPH, Vt. (AP) - About 300 people gathered Wednesday night to mourn the death of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, whose body was found near her uncles home a week after she had disappeared. Published on: July 2, 2008 |
Jacques to be charged with kidnapping Brooke BennettPublished on: July 2, 2008 |
Witness says uncle was with Bennett after the girl's disappearanceBURLINGTON -- Federal court papers released this afternoon reveal that a juvenile who claims to have been in the car when missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett was dropped off at a Randolph convenience store last week told authorities that Bennett and her uncle, convicted sex offender Michael Jacques, spent time together that afternoon after... Published on: July 2, 2008 |
Arraignment scheduled for 2 p.m.U.S. Attorney Thomas Anderson says the initial federal court appearance for Raymond Gagnon, who is charged in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of Brooke Bennett, is set for 2 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Burlington. Published on: July 2, 2008 |
Missing girl's stepfather charged with obstruction of justiceRANDOLPH - The former stepfather of a missing 12-year-old Braintree girl was arrested Monday night for allegedly destroying evidence related to the case. Published on: July 2, 2008 |
Experts say families need to discuss Internet usage, safety issuesSHELBURNE Ken Wooden learned most of what he knows from convicted child molesters. Published on: July 2, 2008 |
2nd man arrested in Vt. child sex ring probeBETHEL, Vt. (AP) _ The search for a missing girl in Vermont has taken another dramatic turn, the arrest of a second man in an alleged child sex ring. Published on: July 1, 2008 |
Probe of missing girl now focuses on uncleRANDOLPH CENTER A man named Monday as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of a 12-year-old Braintree girl has been linked by police to an alleged Internet ring used to lure underage girls into sex. Published on: July 1, 2008 |
Video: Police search uncle's propertyPolice focused their search for Bennett Monday on Jacques' property in Randolph Center, where authorities spent the day combing through his home and yard. Published on: July 1, 2008 |
Police: Uncle "person of interest" in Bennett dissapearanceCHELSEA, Vt. (AP) _ The uncle of a missing 12-year-old girl one of the last to see her before she vanished pleaded not guilty Monday in what police called unrelated sex assaults on another underage girl, who told them the man was involved in a child sex ring. Published on: June 30, 2008 |
Judge orders Jacques held on $250,000 bail; helicopter searches Jacques' propertyCHELSEA - A probe into the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl zeroed in on her uncle Monday, with police searching his home while he was being arraigned on sex charges in an unrelated case, authorities said. Published on: June 30, 2008 |
Statement from Colonel James Baker on investigationStatement of Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police, regarding the latest in the investigation into the disappearance of Brooke Bennett of Braintree: Published on: June 30, 2008 |
More information on arrest of missing girl's uncleMichael Stephen Jacques, arrested Sunday afternoon by police investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old Braintree girl, has a history of felony sex crimes in Vermont. Published on: June 30, 2008 |
Investigation into Brooke Bennett's disappearance shifts to RandolphRANDOLPH -- Vermont State Police confirmed this afternoon that the search for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett has shifted to the Randolph home of the girl's uncle. Published on: June 30, 2008 |
Uncle of missing Vermont 12-year-old arrestedBETHEL The mysterious disappearance of a 12-year-old Braintree girl took an unexpected twist Sunday when the Vermont State Police arrested her uncle and charged him with aggravated sexual assault in an unrelated case. Published on: June 30, 2008 |
Experts warn parents about Internet hazardsBURLINGTON As police work to piece together the online correspondence that prompted Brooke Bennett of Braintree to arrange a meeting with an apparent stranger, experts are warning parents to keep tabs on their kids' Internet use. Published on: June 29, 2008 |
Father waits for newsRANDOLPH James Bennett sits by the phone and waits. It's a frustrating role for a worried father. But as police continued their search for his missing 12-year-old daughter Saturday, Bennett held out hope that the nightmare would end soon. Published on: June 29, 2008 |
Residents shaken by missing childRANDOLPH The reality of Brooke Bennett's disappearance really hit Jennifer Emmons when detectives stopped by the Randolph Village Laundromat to ask questions. Published on: June 28, 2008 |
Search for missing 12-year-old intensifiesBROOKFIELD The search for a missing 12-year-old girl broadened Friday as the FBI joined in and police investigators turned to officials at MySpace.com, the online social networking site through which she had been communicating with an unknown person prior to her disappearance. Published on: June 28, 2008 |
Search for missing 12-year-old continuesBETHEL -- James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police, said this afternoon that divers did not locate the body of missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett today, and the search for the Braintree youth continues. Published on: June 27, 2008 |
Statement from Col. Baker regarding search for Brooke BennettStatement from Col. James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police, regarding the search for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Baker spoke at a press conference this morning at 10:30 a.m. Published on: June 27, 2008 |
Amber Alert issued for missing Braintree girlBROOKFIELD - Vermont State Police issued this state's first Amber Alert on Thursday afternoon as they searched for a missing 12-year-old girl from Braintree. Published on: June 27, 2008 |
State police issue Amber Alert for missing 12-year-oldBROOKFIELD, Vt. (AP) _ An Amber Alert was issued Thursday for a 12-year-old girl who disappeared after being dropped off at a convenience store where she told family members she was going to meet a girlfriend. Published on: June 26, 2008 |
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