WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Sharon man is free after denying charges he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old boy.

James C. Durkee III, 27, pleaded innocent Friday to a felony charge of sexual assault of a victim younger then 16, and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to affidavits filed with the court, in late November, the boy told investigators with State Police and Department for Children and Families that Durkee had assaulted him multiple times during the fall in South Royalton.

The boy told investigators Durkee shared alcohol and marijuana with him and threatened to kill himself if the boy told anyone, records state.

Durkee is free on $10,000 bail on the conditions he have no contact with anyone younger than 16 unless in the presence of an adult who has not consumed alcohol.