Man pleads guilty in teen molest case
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STAFF REPORT - Published: October 15, 2009
BENNINGTON — An Arlington man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a felony charge of lewd-and-lascivious conduct with a 13-year-old deaf girl and faces two and a half to 15 years in prison.
Derryck S. Boardman, 41, was arraigned in Bennington District Court in March on a felony count of sexual assault with no consent.
On Wednesday, Bennington County Chief Deputy State's Attorney Christina Rainville said the state had changed the charge because it became clear during depositions that not all of the elements necessary for the sexual assault charge were present. Rainville said there may have been some communication difficulties between the deaf girl and hearing investigators.
Rainville said the Vermont Department of Communications had been ordered to conduct a pre-sentence investigation of Boardman but said that Boardman had entered a guilty plea knowing that the state planned to ask for a prison sentence of 30 months to 15 years.
The girl said Boardman had removed her clothing and tried to engage in a sexual act with her on March 19, but she was able to push him away.
Police said that Boardman had admitted before he was arrested to kissing the girl and touching her breast.
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