Truemors
Brooke Bennett's stepfather Ray A. Gagnon, 40, was taken into custody Tuesday on a charge of aggravated sexual assault on a minor, according to authorities.
Update: Second Photo Released by Vermont State Police
The arrest is related to charges against Brooke's uncle, Michael Jacques.
The new charges and second arrest do not involve Brooke, who vanished last week, police said.
Brooke's father James Bennett told FOX News that his ex-wife was married to Gagnon, but they broke up several years ago.
Bennett said he doesn't know if the couple is divorced. Brooke lived in Alabama with Gagnon and her mother for six years, Bennett said.
Jacques was charged on Monday with sexually assaulting a young girl over a five-year period. The girl told police she had been enrolled in what police called a program for sex.
Gagnon, of San Antonio, Texas, is due in court at 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Vermont District Court in White River Junction.
Affidavit Points To 'Program For Sex'
RANDOLPH, Vt. -- A police affidavit recently released by Orange County District Court connects the man who was last seen with 12 year-old Brooke Bennett to a sex ring known as "Breckenridge."Michael Jacques, 42, of Randolph, who dropped off Brooke Bennett at a Randolph, Vt., convenience store Wednesday and was seen leaving it in a different direction on a surveillance camera video, was charged with aggravated sexual assault against a minor and pleaded not guilty to the charge Monday.
VERMONT STATE POLICE - Press Release - Update 4pm July 1 2008
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICEPRESS CONFERENCE
UPDATE ON MISSING BROOKE BENNETT
July 1, 2008Contact: Sgt. Tara Thomas, Vermont State Police – Public Information Officer (802-234-9933)
The Vermont State Police will have a press conference to update the media in reference to the investigation over the weekend into the disappearance of 12 year-old Brooke Bennett of Braintree, VT. Brooke has been missing since June 25th, 2008 where she was last seen in Randolph, VT.
WHEN: Tuesday July 1, 2008 - 4:00 PM
WHERE: Whitcomb High School, Pleasant Street - VT Rt. 12, Bethel, VT
July 1, 2008 Morning Release
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICEPRESS RELEASE UPDATE
MISSING BROOKE BENNETT
July 1, 2008 – Morning Release
The Vermont State Police continue to search the Jacques’ property in Randolph, VT. This search is covering an extensive area. The New England K-9 team is assisting in the search.
Investigators are continuing to following up on leads.
We’re in the process of determining whether a press conference will be held later this afternoon. If a press conference is called, Sgt. Tara Thomas will issue a press advisory via e-mail.
Anyone who may have information pertaining to the disappearance of Brooke Bennett is urged to call the Vermont State Police at (802) 234-9933.
Sgt. Tara Thomas of the Vermont State Police will continue to be the point of contact for the media. If any new information becomes available, Sgt. Thomas will send out the proper notification. The media is urged to monitor the Vermont State Police website for any updated information. The web address is http://www.vtsp.org/press.html
Other NOWPUBLIC Coverage of this Story
Missing Person -Brooke Bennett
Uncle of missing Vermont girl arrested
Media Coverage from Vermont
Brooke's Former Stepfather Arrested
Affidavit Points To 'Program For Sex'
Missing Girl's Family on CBS Early Show
Read the Police Affidavit Against Michael Jacques
Vermont TV Stations Covering the Story
Burlington WCAX
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