No bail stands for sex suspect
Toolbox
By Susan Smallheer STAFF WRITER - Published: July 25, 2009
BRATTLEBORO — A Brattleboro man charged with three counts of sexually assaulting a woman he knew will stay in jail until his trial, a special panel of the Vermont Supreme Court has ruled.
Judge Patricia Zimmerman ruled against John Galanes, 42, who was arrested in February, a few days after the alleged assault on Feb. 13 at the woman's home.
Zimmerman, acting as special justice for Galanes' appeal of a lower court decision, ruled that the evidence against Galanes was great, and she also noted that Galanes had a poor record of following directions from the court, whether it was an abuse prevention order or rules at the state prison in Springfield.
Galanes is charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of aggravated stalking, one count of burglary into an occupied dwelling, interference with emergency services and seven counts of violating an abuse prevention order.
Zimmerman's decision upholds an earlier decision by District Judge Karen R. Carroll, who ordered Galanes held without bail.
The woman told police that she delayed reporting the assault because Galanes threatened to kill himself. The day after the assault, Feb. 14 or Valentine's Day, Galanes sent flowers to his alleged victim, as well as numerous test messages.
The judge rejected a suggestion from Galanes' court-appointed attorney, Kerry DeWolfe of Barre, that Galanes be released into the custody of his cousin, who offered him a place to live and work.
But Zimmerman said that Galanes' track record in following or obeying court orders was poor and denied the motion.
The alleged victim had split up with Galanes in late December, and sought a relief from abuse order, saying that Galanes had verbally and physically abused her and was controlling.
The judge ruled that Galanes appeared to be obsessed with the woman and had "difficulty controlling his anger" at her for ending their relationship.
And the judge noted that Galanes allegedly told his former wife that his alleged victim did not welcome his sexual advances.
susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com
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