Bennington man arraigned on felony child sex assault charges
Toolbox
By PATRICK McARDLE STAFF WRITER - Published: November 17, 2009
BENNINGTON — A 22-year-old Brambly Lane man, who has already been convicted of two felonies this year, is facing life in prison after police said he had sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl several times beginning in August.
Tyson Putnam, 22, of Bennington, was arraigned in Bennington District Court on Monday on felony charges of aggravated sexual assault on a child and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.
If convicted of both the charges, Putnam would be facing mandatory minimum penalties of 27 years.
In an affidavit, Bennington Police Detective Michael Plusch said he met with the 12-year-old girl and her mother on Saturday at the Bennington Police Station. The mother had contacted police after finding a note that was passed between the girl and Putnam.
Plusch said the mother became suspicious "due to previous incidents" and asked her daughter if Putnam had touched her. The girl said he had touched her, according to the affidavit.
The girl told Plusch that Putnam touched her with his hand on several occasions beginning in August. The girl said she had known Putnam since she was 5.
Plusch said he went to Putnam's place of employment on Saturday afternoon and spoke to Putnam who denied the girl's allegations.
However, Putnam told Plusch and Vermont Department of Children and Families Investigator Athena Boulger that he touched the girl once over her clothes in August while he was inebriated.
In a written statement, Putnam said the girl had "come on to (him)" after he had been drinking.
Putnam was also accused on Monday of violating the conditions of his probation because he had been charged with new felonies.
In February, Putnam pleaded guilty in Bennington District Court to felony charges of embezzlement and selling depressants.
Price Chopper staff members told police in January that Putnam had embezzled about $2,500 while he had worked at the grocery store in Bennington. The drug selling charge was based on an affidavit that said Putnam had sold 10 Xanax pills, a brand name for a depressant that contains benzodiazepine, in June 2008.
Putnam was sentenced to serve one to two years, all suspended except for 10 days, for the two felonies in February.
Judge David Suntag noted that Putnam, who appeared in court on Monday through a video link with the Rutland jail, had been convicted of two felonies less than a year ago.
"Given the time periods involved in the second allegations, I feel it's warranted he be held without bail on the probation violation which I'll do," Suntag said.
Suntag set Putnam's bail on the new charges at $25,000.
If convicted of the sexual assault charge, Putnam could be sentenced to up to life in prison. The lewd and lascivious conduct charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.
patrick.mcardle@rutlandherald.com
18