12-yr old Brooke Bennett missing from Vermont.

[SoUncool]

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8558608&nav=menu183_6_2_6

http://i27.tinypic.com/2eo8h91.jpg


Brookfield, Vermont - June 25, 2008

Vermont State Police have launched a massive search for a young girl in central Vermont.

12-year-old Brooke Bennett, of Braintree, was last seen Wednesday morning when a family member dropped her off at the Cumberland Farms in Randolph. The family member left. A friend was supposed to come and pick Brooke up to bring her to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center to visit the friend's relative. Bennett was not at the Cumberland Farms when the friend arrived.

Police say they are focusing their search in the Brookfield area. Several roads have been closed and a command center has been set up. Police have reportedly found some items of interest. However, they are not sure if those items are linked to Bennett's disappearance. K-9s and search and rescue teams from all across the region have been called in to assist in the search.

Bennett was last seen wearing blue jeans, a pink sweater and white sneakers with pink lettering.

If you have seen her or have any information-- call Vt. State Police at 802-243-9933.

[celtic friend]

I hope she is found safe.

[Redvelvet08]

I hope they find this beautiful young lady safe and sound. This is happening just way to much these days!

[petrina]

i hope she just lied to her parents to make out a lil. then i hope they kick her butt but still she will be safe.

[Morbid]

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7758/20080626151858fz3.jpg

[Lynntoast]

Police now say she had apparently lied about her destination and was planning to meet an unknown individual she had been communicating with online

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/NEWS02/80626017/1007/NEWS02

This really doesn't sound good for this poor girl. :(

[Mom of 4]

Oh no that doesn't sound good at all. Damn I wish kids would pay attention to the news and all the other information they are taught about internet predators. :tsk:

[Unamused Cat]

Other than saying clothing, the police will not discuss what items were found near a pond. The dive team will be searching underwater in the morning.

video: http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/MySpace-at-center-of-missing-girl-investigation/1214529597.html

[tricia71]

i make my kids read these stories everyday............i have an 11yr old boy and a 15 yr old daughter and i am constantly checking them......i just wish people would be more alert as to what kids are doing, ya know?

[Lynntoast]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=270831610

This is her myspace. It is set to private. She last logged on the day she went missing. :(

[Ruby]

So here's some interesting reporting, vis-a-vis myspace pages and young'uns. She had a site which her dad permitted and monitored, but he didn't like how she was handling herself with it, so he took it away from her. Shut her down. She surreptitiously opened another account on another computer and he just found out about that. So, she did not have parental permission for the myspace acct. Here's the link:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,372726,00.html

[Unamused Cat]

I hope she gets back home... so her parents can whip her ass. Bah...

[Lynntoast]

http://cmsimg.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?

A diver enters Sunset Lake in Brookfield, Vt., as police continue their search for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett Friday, June 27, 2008. The lake is near where a family member found items belonging to Bennett, of Braintree, on Thursday

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/NEWS01/80626034

[Shadow]

thank you Lynn.

And I agree Cat.. she does need her ass whipped. I think that's part of the problem with young people today, not enough of them get that discipline they so badly need.


~ceisdsgil

[petrina]

so do they think she is alive? any confirmation? debit card use? wha? and the person she is with - perv or killerperv? if we frontpage it will her friends spill some beans?

[Ruby]

Today they found one of her shoes.
It's not seeming good....

[Shadow]

Ruby, thank you for sharing.. no, this doesn't look good. :(


~ceisdsgil

[Mom of 4]

Today they found one of her shoes.
It's not seeming good....



Oh no! I have a sick feeling in my stomach. Well if it is someone she was talking to online they should be able to trace it.:sad:

[Unamused Cat]

They are saying a family member found items of clothing belonging to Brooke. I keep wondering about the uncle.

[Shadow]

any more news yet?


*prays this story doesn't have a sad ending...but thinking it looks as though it might...


~ceisdsgil

[Unamused Cat]

Nothing new other than the FBI sending a special 5 man team to help in the search.

http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/card062708.htm

[Shadow]

thank you Cat...


~ceisdsgil

[SoUncool]

http://i25.tinypic.com/2zflr7t.jpg

[SoUncool]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/NEWS01/80626034

http://i26.tinypic.com/14lh401.jpg
Searchers hug each other Friday as they look for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett of Braintree along a road in Brookfield. Ver´mont State Police divers searched Sunset Lake on Friday, where a family member found items belonging to the girl Thursday.



BROOKFIELD — The search for a missing 12-year-old girl broadened Friday as the FBI joined in and police investigators turned to officials at MySpace.com, the online social networking site through which she had been communicating with an unknown person before her disappearance. A day after her disappearance triggered Vermont’s first Amber Alert, investigators focused on someone Brooke Bennett might have met online, the head of the Vermont State Police said. “This case is about a MySpace visitation,” Col. James Baker said. “Our focus is on the communications Brooke may have had via that media.”

Police believe Brooke was not planning to meet a friend and that she might have been going to meet someone she’d been communicating with online. Video from an interior surveillance camera at the store — released Friday — showed the girl and her uncle walk into the store and then leave, each going in separate directions, with Brooke walking away by herself.

She was seen about 45 minutes later inside the Randolph Village Laundromat, police said.

Friday, state police dive teams searched Sunset Lake, near where items belonging to Brooke were found Thursday by a family member. Baker said the divers found nothing.

During the day Friday, the FBI brought in agents from New England and experts in behavioral science from Quantico, Va.

A major focus of the investigation was centered on her online activities.

“As we all know, warnings have gone out countless times, in this world that we live in today, there are folks that visit places, social networking spaces such as MySpace, whose intentions are not good. And they come from far away,” Baker said.

Baker said the Amber Alert wasn’t issued sooner because investigators had to determine whethe her disappearance met the criteria for one. Officials didn’t decide to issue the alert until they knew the MySpace activity could be related to it, he said.

Baker said MySpace officials — who posted the Amber Alert on their Web site — were being helpful.

“MySpace takes the safety of our users very seriously,” its chief security officer, Hemanshu Nigam, said in a statement released by the company. “We are assisting the Vermont State Police Department and cannot comment any further as it is an ongoing investigation.”

[Mom of 4]

She was seen about 45 minutes later inside the Randolph Village Laundromat, police said.


Could they be more vague? Was she alone? What was she doing in the laundromat? Was it caught on video or is it a witness who claims to have seen her? How close is the laundromat to the area her articles of clothing were found?

Geez inquiring minds want to know.:frown2:

[SoUncool]

Could they be more vague? Was she alone? What was she doing in the laundromat? Was it caught on video or is it a witness who claims to have seen her? How close is the laundromat to the area her articles of clothing were found?

Geez inquiring minds want to know.:frown2:

I hear ya mom...they're not saying much still. I don't get it, if they want the public's help, why the hell don't they give us more info? Afraid it will "hamper" the investigation?

[Ruby]

The article I read last night said they had witnesses who put her at The Village Laundramat or the Dunkin' Donuts in town. They actually used that "or" in their story, which I found strange. I could see if she was seen at one AND the other. But what's with the "or"?? Weird huh? They definitely said that witnesses saw her there around 9:45 AM (uncle dropped her off at store at 9 AM). So they were still asking for anyone who claimed to have seen her. But they're not revealing whether the sightings that were reported were of her alone or her with someone. :-(

[SoUncool]

I've been checking for any updates all morning. PLEASE post if ANYBODY sees something. This really hits me close to my heart as my daughter is also 12...

[Unamused Cat]

I am not finding anything new. I sure want to hear more about that uncle.

[Mom of 4]

I am not finding anything new. I sure want to hear more about that uncle.

I have to admit I am a bit suspicious of the Uncle too UC. I hope I am wrong and he did nothing more than drop her off. The personal items found near his home just raised my eyebrows a little.:noidea:

[SoUncool]

Residents shaken by missing child

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080628/NEWS/507767194


RANDOLPH — The reality of Brooke Bennett's disappearance really hit Jennifer Emmons when detectives stopped by the Randolph Village Laundromat to ask questions.

The North Main Street business is one of the last locations that witnesses saw Bennett, 12, sometime between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, state police reported on Friday.

"It's not my kid, but I still feel for these parents," said Emmons whose son was in Bennett's seventh-grade class at Randolph High School. "My mother always said, 'there's got to be two of you.'"

Standing in front of a flier of Bennett with "Missing" written across the top, Emmons said the search for the girl, who has not been seen since she was dropped off in Randolph Wednesday, has been the talk of the town. She and other parents had been talking, fighting disbelief and admitting that there is no such thing as being too smothering.

From Bethel to Randolph and throughout central Vermont, talk of the young girl having vanished was on the tongues of everyone, even those without children. Most asked how anyone could be capable of an abduction, though no one is clear on what has happened to Bennett.

Those closest to Bennett's age are especially leery about her disappearance and the information that has surfaced in the last couple of days, including the fact some of her clothing was found on Route 65 in Brookfield.

State Police Col. Baker stated during a morning press conference that his hope is that the community would not be scared, but instead focus on caution and trust that the police are doing their jobs. There are 30 detectives interviewing witnesses and following up on leads, Baker said.

Fliers with Bennett's photo were posted in the windows of businesses throughout downtown and life seemed to bustle as usual, but with the occasional mention of the missing girl. Rumors – discredited by police Friday afternoon – of her body being found in Sunset Lake were flying around in the shops and restaurants.

"We are gravely concerned about the wellbeing of Brooke Bennett," said Baker. "This case is very much centered around and about social networking online."

And as long as there is access to the World Wide Web, children everywhere are vulnerable.

[Shadow]

"As long as there is access to the World Wide Web, children every where are vulnerable."


Just means parents need to monitor what their children are doing a lot more closely, instead of hitting up the gym after work, or trying to cram too many social activities into one day. When I was her age, my mother knew where I was at all times.

~ceisdsgil


these are my thoughts.. if you don't like 'em.. tough, put on your big girl panties and learn to deal with it.
:peace:

[SoUncool]

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8574397&nav=4QcS

Rumors Hard On Missing Girl's Family



Randolph, Vermont - June 28, 2008

Another day of searching on Saturday, and still no sign of missing 12-year-old, Brooke Bennett. Brooke's family is holding out hope that their daughter will be found safe and alive, but the rumors around town are making the search difficult to bear.

Missing poster signs hang in the windows of storefronts in downtown Randolph, where Brooke Bennett was last seen on Wednesday morning. On many, people have added the words, 'still missing.' That's because there have been rumors that the young girl was found dead yesterday in Sunset Lake in Brookfield.

The rumor wasn't just spread by word of mouth. On the social networking Web site, Facebook, people were writing on a special "Find Brook(e) Bennett" page that the 12-year-old was dead.

As for the investigation, the Vermont State Police did not talk to the media on Saturday. In a statement, they said they are working with the FBI to analyze Brooke's computer and her clothing that was found near Sunset Lake on Thursday morning.

"It's frustrating not knowing what's going on. There are certain aspects of the investigation that they have to keep to themselves so they don't compromise the investigation, and I understand that. But it's still frustrating," Jim Bennett said.

As for the evidence the police are reviewing, they say that process will take some time, so no new information is expected for a few days.

[SoUncool]

Video of surveillance from Cumberland Farms convenience store:

http://www.wcax.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2638105&at1=Station 1&h1=News Xtra Webcast

[SoUncool]

Not much news today on this story.


Missing Girl's Clothes, Computer Reviewed
Poor Weather Halts Aerial Search Sunday

http://www.wptz.com/news/16742501/detail.html

RANDOLPH, Vt. -- Authorities have received new leads on Sunday, the fourth day of searching for Brooke Bennett.

FBI officials said forensic work completed over the weekend on clothing and Brooke's computer.

Investigators said Sunday that they uncovered evidence that Brooke was talking to someone the social-networking Web site MySpace, and she may have planned on meeting that person.

Police said a relative found items of clothing that belong to Brooke near the floating bridge in Brookfield, a location about 10 miles from the Cumberland Farms.

Police and neighbors called the area a hangout spot for teenagers.

Police had planned an aerial search Sunday but called it off because of weather conditions.

[~Absynthe~]

I really feel for her parents, right now they are going through hell!!!

There are so many clues that point to foul play, I hope that I am wrong!

I really hope that they find her alive and well, I pray that she is not a victim..:sad2:

[Lynntoast]

Police Arrest Missing Girl's Uncle

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8576141

He was arrested in what they say is an "Unrelated" sexual assult. He is a RSO and the last to be seen with Brooke. :(

[SoUncool]

http://i29.tinypic.com/33a9bpv.jpg

Michael Jacques


Jacques is a registered sex offender; he was arrested and convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault in 1993. Police say that the new charges are not connected in any way to Bennett or her disappearance.

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8576141

[Unamused Cat]

I have suspected the uncle from the get-go. Being a registered sex offender, I have to wonder why the family allowed him contact with Brooke.

[w8ng4msrgt]

After looking at his charges from last time I hope he doesn't have her buried in a pit somewhere.

SO Page (http://170.222.137.2:8080/sor/servlet/SOR?id=X000005393)

[~Absynthe~]

Watching the video earlier,I thought that it was so strange the way that she carried herself while in the store, arms crossed and all. Then when they left the store they went in different directions, I have been wondering if this was to throw off authorities.

[Unamused Cat]

Watching the video earlier,I thought that it was so strange the way that she carried herself while in the store, arms crossed and all. Then when they left the store they went in different directions, I have been wondering if this was to throw off authorities.

Exactly. I thought the same thing. Her body language (crossed arms) shows her to defensive.

[SoUncool]

Few more new details:

Who is this cousin that was supposedly with them?

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hM0lsKy_GAvOQ54DpaMK58FhowXAD91K68L00


MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont State Police said Sunday the uncle of a missing 12-year-old girl — one of the last people to see her before she vanished — has been arrested on unrelated sex charges.

Michael Jacques, 42, of Randolph, who dropped off Brooke Bennett at a 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. The alleged victim wasn't Bennett, who remained missing Sunday, despite an intensive search by state police, the FBI and other agencies.

Jacques, who is married to Bennett's mother's sister, is listed on Vermont sex offender registry. He was convicted of sexual assault and kidnapping in 1993.

The arrest came as the result of information uncovered by investigators assigned to the disappearance.

Jacques was being held at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, pending an arraignment Monday. If convicted, he could get 10 years to life in prison.

Police said Jacques and a cousin of Brooke's dropped the girl at Cumberland Farms in Randolph about 9 a.m. Wednesday. On the video, which was released Friday, Jacques and Brooke are seen in the store, where Jacques makes a purchase with Brooke at his side. They walk out together, then part ways. She was seen about 45 minutes later inside a coin laundry, police said.

Her grandmother reported Bennett missing 12 hours later, and on Thursday an Amber Alert — the first in Vermont history — was issued for Brooke.

No suspects have been named in her disappearance.

[~Absynthe~]

Fox News Channel just reported that the police are looking more closely at Brooke's uncle.
They are conducting a search of his farm.

When I find out more info I will let you know...or if anyone here anything..let us know!!

[Ruby]

Fuck!

[SoUncool]

Investigation into Brooke Bennett's disappearance shifts to Randolph
1:09 p.m.
June 30, 2008

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS/56479780



RANDOLPH -- Vermont State Police confirmed this afternoon that the search for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett has shifted to the Randolph home of the girl's uncle, who was last seen with her.

Police issued a release moments ago stating: "As a result of this past weekend’s investigation into the disappearance of 12 year-old Brooke Bennett of Braintree, Vermont, the Vermont State Police and the FBI have concentrated their investigation efforts around the Jacques’ property in Randolph, Vermont. The Connecticut State Police and the Massachusetts State Police are assisting in the property search by providing a helicopter as well as additional K-9 units. The Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team have been called in as well. The search will cover an extensive area. In addition, the FBI has flown in additional resources. Anyone with information pertaining to Brooke Bennett is urged to call the Vermont State Police at (802) 234-9933."

The Times Argus is on the scene at the home of 42-year-old Michael Jacques on East Bethel Road in Randolph. At this time, police are not allowing anyone to enter the property. A police officer is stationed at the bottom of the driveway, and highway cones also block access to the home, which sits about 100 yards off the roadway.

There are at least five Vermont State Police cars at the home, with officers wearing sweatshirts marked search and rescue, as well as baseball caps. One officer was also seen with a dog.

The State Police Crime Lab van is also at the scene, although officers have not entered the home.

[Ruby]

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

He's a registered sex offender. How did it take them this many days to get to him? She disappeared on Wednesday morning, he was the last one to see her. The first reports said she'd spent the night at his house. If he's registered, how did this take so long?

FUCK.

[Unamused Cat]

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

He's a registered sex offender. How did it take them this many days to get to him? She disappeared on Wednesday morning, he was the last one to see her. The first reports said she'd spent the night at his house. If he's registered, how did this take so long?

FUCK.

He is registered. I looked at his page myself.

Michael Jacques

Sexual Offense Conviction(s) Date of Conviction
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT 07-12-1993
KIDNAPPING 07-12-1993

[Lizard]

Sexual Offense Conviction(s) Date of Conviction
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT 07-12-1993
KIDNAPPING 07-12-1993

"Gosh, it's been 15 years! No one will notice if I do it again...."

[Josie]

Bail?
They gave him bail?
incredible............


Missing girl's uncle charged in assault; police scour uncle's property

June 30, 2008


CHELSEA — A probe into the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl zeroed in on her uncle today, with police searching his home while he was being arraigned on sex charges in an unrelated case, authorities said.

Michael Jacques, 42, of Randolph, a registered sex offender who was one of the last people to see Brooke Bennett before she vanished, pleaded not guilty to aggravated sexual assault and was being held on $250,000 bail.

The alleged victim was a girl who says Jacques assaulted her over a five-year period, beginning when she was 9 years old and ending a few weeks ago, Orange County State’s Attorney Will Porter said. The charge was filed as a result of the investigation into Bennett’s disappearance, but Bennett wasn’t the victim, police said.
Advertisement
www.wdbrownell.com

Jacques, who is married to the sister of Bennett’s mother, dropped Bennett off at a Cumberland Farms convenience store in Randolph on Wednesday after she told family members she was going to meet a friend and visit a relative of the friend’s in the hospital.

Police believe that was a lie, and that Bennett may have bound for a meeting with an unknown individual she had been communicating with through MySpace.com, the social networking site. On Friday, Vermont State Police director James Baker said the MySpace communications were the main focus of the probe.

Surveillance video from the store showed Bennett and Jacques leave the store and go in separate directions.

Bennett, who just finished seventh grade at Randolph Union High School, has not been seen since. She is the subject of Vermont’s first-ever Amber Alert, which was issued Friday.

In court today, a pallid Jacques — handcuffed and shackled at the waist — entered a not guilty plea through public defender L. Brooke Dingledine, who persuaded Judge Theresa DiMauro to grant bail over the objections of Porter.

Jacques has 1993 convictions for kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault and there is “a threat of prejudicial violence to this particular juvenile complainant,” said Porter, in arguing for no bail. “Her personal safety was threatened.”

He also noted the serious nature of the crime, which could lead to a life prison term, and said Jacques had violated his probation.

“There’s no condition or series of conditions that could guarantee the safety of the juvenile complainant in this case,” said Porter.

Dingledine said Jacques has a full-time job as an operations manager for a company in West Lebanon, N.H., owns his home and a rental property next door, has strong family ties and a family that depends on his income.

DiMauro said she was considering barring Jacques from leaving the county, but Dingledine — who called the corroborating evidence on the sex charge “very sparse” — said he needed to get to work. So the judge ordered a 24-hour curfew — except for work — if he makes bail.

Relatives of Bennett watched from the gallery as Jacques made his appearance.

Vermont State Police called in state police units from Connecticut and Massachusetts and planned to use helicopters and dogs to search Jacques’ home.

Trooper Mark Magnant said police would not comment on either case pending a 4 p.m. briefing.


(bolding and italics mine)

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS01/80629010&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

[~Absynthe~]

The alleged victim, a relative of Jacques', was a girl who says Jacques assaulted her over a five-year period, beginning when she was 9 years old and ending a few weeks ago, Orange County State's Attorney Will Porter said.


In an affidavit released afterward, Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. William Jenkins said the girl told police that when she was 9 or 10, she was told — in a telephone call and in a note left under her pillow — that she had been selected for enrollment in a "program for sex" and that Jacques was to be her trainer.




Whether he had anything to do with Brooke's disappearance, I don't think that they should have set a bail and a curfew for him!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,373903,00.html

[w8ng4msrgt]

Police statement

June 30, 2008

Statement of Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police:
June 30, 2008 at 4 p.m.

Good Afternoon. Thank you all for coming. For those of you that don’t already know me, I’m Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police.

I would first like to start out by thanking the media and the public for their patience and understanding throughout this investigation. We have reached out to you several times for assistance, and each time you’ve pulled through for us and have assisted in any way possible. The level of professionalism that you all have displayed is a true testament to yourself and the news organizations you represent. For that, I am grateful. It is clear that the goals of the media and the public are that of the Vermont State Police and the law enforcement partners working this investigation to find Brooke Bennett.

This case remains very active, and I can say, as a result of the tireless effort and hard work of the investigators, the scope of this investigation has narrowed and we are making progress. We have eliminated several scenarios that were potential possibilities in the disappearance of Brooke. Behavioral Scientists from the FBI have played and continue to play a major role in this elimination process.

On Sunday, the investigation discovered that Michael Jacques of Randolph, Vermont sexually assaulted a minor, who was being interviewed as a result of the Brooke Bennett investigation. The State Police called in detectives of the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, which includes a Vermont State Trooper assigned to the unit, to investigate the sexual assault. Investigators are looking into the possibility there may be more victims of sexual abuse by Jacques. The State Police would like to speak with any child or teenager who may have had contact with Michael Jacques.

The focus of today’s investigation is to search the Jacques’ property in Randolph, Vermont. The Connecticut State Police and the Massachusetts State Police brought in assets to assist in the search, to include a helicopter and K-9 Units. Forensic work is continuing to be done and analyzed. We continue to search for evidence that may help explain Brooke’s disappearance.

Rest of statement (http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS/80630024/0/NEWS01)

[Dakota Valkyrie]

I don't think that they should have set a bail and a curfew for him!!!
a permanent dirt nap curfew, maybe...

[Shadow]

the plot thickens

In the police affidavit, it says the victim was told the president of the United States had selected her for this sex program. The president assigns a trainer, and her trainer would be Michael Jacques. And then she was abused-- almost tortured-- on a weekly basis in many different ways for the next five years. The victim testified she had met three men as part of "Breckenridge" who had told her what types of sexual activity she needed to work on to graduate.

sauce:
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8580434

~ceisdsgil

[Dakota Valkyrie]

From the police statement w8ng linked:
Late Saturday into early Sunday morning, information was developed as a result of forensic examination of computers that helped us change the direction of the investigation. As a result of that, Michael Jacques became a person of interest into the disappearance of Brooke. This is not the only avenue we continue to pursue and we continue to explore other investigative leads. With that said, I will re-confirm my statement from before that this case is about social networking on the internet.
It makes it sound like she might have been talking to her uncle on MySpace. Maybe he had a thing set up with her also where she was selected for the "sex program" and other dudes were involved via MySpace, too??

[Ruby]

Well, the fact that he began assaulting the other girl at age nine, and that she's also a relative, and this is an ongoing thing for this guy, coupled with the fact that Brooke spent the night at his house, tells me she's most likely a victim, too.

So, a few scenarios come to mind:

1. Brooke has arranged (with or without the help of someone on the internet) to disappear, so as to get away from douchebag uncle and his friends.

2. Douchebag uncle abducted and / or killed her to keep her quiet. Perhaps she threatened to tell when she stayed at his home the night before she disappeared.

3. Douchebag uncle has bartered/sold/traded her to one of the other douchebag members of his child sex ring/cult.

All three scenarios make me shudder. I'm telling you, no matter WHAT we find out ultimately happened to Brooke Bennett, I would bet HUGE amounts of money that she was abused by her uncle, and that will play some factor in this. Mark my words.

[Nell]

I think it is #2. I am so sad about this. It prove my point that the internet may be dangerous, but you need to watch the people close to you the most.

[Dopie]

Oooh and he's got the nifty Pedo Eye to boot!!

I hate that they can't find anything at all...I'm sick...I hope it turns out OK, but its not looking good.

Stupid Fuckhead!!!!

[Unamused Cat]

the plot thickens

In the police affidavit, it says the victim was told the president of the United States had selected her for this sex program. The president assigns a trainer, and her trainer would be Michael Jacques. And then she was abused-- almost tortured-- on a weekly basis in many different ways for the next five years. The victim testified she had met three men as part of "Breckenridge" who had told her what types of sexual activity she needed to work on to graduate.

sauce:
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8580434

~ceisdsgil

How can these girls believe something so stupid? How can the family members even let their children around a registered sex offender and/or strange men in the first place?

[SoUncool]

http://i29.tinypic.com/33a9bpv.jpg

Michael Jacques



http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8576141

Something in this article has been bothering me A LOT. Here is something the Dad said:


Two days ago, WCAX asked Brooke's father, Jim Bennett, whether he believed a family member was involved with Brooke's disappearance. He said, "I guess there's some question about the uncle, but I don't personally know him that well, so I can't say."

I understand the parents are divorced and stuff but Dad didn't really know him??? I find that a little odd. "the uncle" Anybody else picking up something weird with that??

[Ruby]

Well, I guess I can kind of see it. The uncle. It is a weird turn of a phrase, isn't it?

ANyway, I think the parents are divorced. "The Uncle" is now married to the mom's sister, but I got the impression from stuff I read that he wasn't always married to her -- as in, I think he may be a fairly recent addition to the family. Perhaps post-mom-and-dad-divorce? So maybe dad never really knew him?

ANyway, I don't care how recently he came to the extended family: the man was convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault. He's not coming near anyone in my family. Ever. And my very pretty teen daughter sleeping at his house? Not bloody likely!!

[w8ng4msrgt]

I understand the parents are divorced and stuff but Dad didn't really know him??? I find that a little odd. "the uncle" Anybody else picking up something weird with that??

It could be that was a family secret and may have happened before he met his ex-wife. I don't know how long they have been divorced either. He may not have known the family. I am sort of thinking he was the one with custody and mama had visitation rights.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

How can the family members even let their children around a registered sex offender and/or strange men in the first place?

RLTs!!! (Real Life Tards)
"He would never do such a thing."
"He was framed by incompetent cops."
"He's a changed man" (the world's only fully recovered pedo?)

Some people believe love conquers all. Others think love is blind. I think lust conquers intelligence and renders one unseeing.

[Unamused Cat]

Brooke's father says he knew about Jacques' past conviction on kidnapping and sexual assault and had brought it up as an issue with Brooke's mother.

"It wasn't made a big deal. He was married to Brooke's aunt and there were kids there here age and there was no indication that there was a problem of any kind, so it was never made an issue," he said. "Looking back, knowing what I do today, it would have been a lot different."

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8580434&nav=menu183_2_2_2

Gawd....

[~Absynthe~]

I can only imagine what he is going through..but I am a parent and had I had this information, my children would not have ever been around this POS!

My ex and I would of had an agreement that the kids would not be allowed around him, and if she or he violated that, then we would be going to court and I would have been fighting for full custody!!

[petrina]

lets infiltrate the sex ring and tell the babies that they need to work on their scrotum stabbing techniques.

[SoUncool]

Just a few new tidbits (or worth repeating) pulled this morning...

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/NEWS01/807010374


The investigation initially centered in Brookfield, where items of clothing belonging to Brooke Bennett were found near the side of Route 65 Thursday. Police confirmed Monday that it was Jacques who discovered the clothes.


More on the "Breckenridge" Program

But police are investigating the possibility that Jacques had the intention of also targeting his niece, Brooke Bennett, who went missing Wednesday morning.

In interviews with police, the victim, a relative of Jacques', said that she had been recruited into the "Breckenridge program" when she was 8 or 9 years old. Jacques, she told police, had been assigned by the program's "president" as her "trainer."

Jacques allegedly forced the girl to perform sexual acts weekly over the course of several years. She said the acts, which ended only a few weeks ago, were intended to improve her rating in the "Breckenridge program." She said she received phone calls and electronic messages from figures inside the program detailing which acts she was to perform on Jacques.

The victim told police that she has "met" three men from the program, and identified one of them as Jacques. She also said she had been enrolled in the "program" with three other young girls.

Baker said it was "too early" to determine whether Brooke Bennett was also in the alleged sex program, but said investigators are pursuing that possibility.

Baker also said police are investigating whether the program is an actual sex ring, or a ploy created by Jacques to intimidate the girl into having sex.


No bail at his arraignment because..

Were he to be released, he would pose a threat of violence to this particular juvenile complainant," Porter said.

The victim had in fact told police that Jacques threatened to "cut the throat" of any "Breckenridge" member who did not comply with orders. According to an affidavit, she told police that she "did not know how she was alive."


Brooke Bennett, who just finished seventh grade at Randolph High School, lives with her mother, Cassandra Gagnon, in Braintree.

[tricia71]

This is some crazy shit!!!....my divorce decree states that if there is a sex offender connected to either party that it must be reported....I'll be damned if my kids are visiting anyone connected to a sex offender.....they DON'T REFORM <<<<< i truely believe that. After watching the videos I think that something is up in the convienence store because her behavior with her arms crossed and such is weird.....this is sickening. :mmph:

[Ruby]

OK, they wouldn't say before which family member found her articles of clothing. I felt sure they would have said if it was the uncle, since they freely spoke of him being the one to drop her off.

If he's the one who found the clothing, that cinches it for me. He thought he'd appear to be helping the investigation and cooperative and that would throw them off his trail. He's not only a vile, malicious criminal, he's stoo-pid, too.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

I am starting to hope that Brooke ran off with a MySpace Romeo rather than whatever horrors I imagine that include her "uncle".

As weird as this all is, it is truly mind boggling to me that the uncle had other men involved in the "Breckenridge Program" shit with him. These dudes watch too much TV.

Those poor girls whoever they are. As an adult woman, I find the whole thing preposterous. It is so bizarre that I think even a "well warned" child may fall for it. Seems like a movie plot and far removed from the usual scenarios we warn our kids about.

I bet there are some butt heads scrambling somewhere. I hope they are putting their homes in order because once they are nailed they aren't going to have need for their usual lives.

Bubba is going to put them in a starring role of his latest flick. I hope it's a snuff film.

[petrina]

i cant decide if there are other men or not. but i guess if the child says she met them, it would be hard for uncle to disguise himself as another person, unless she was disoriented and frightened like "now we are gonna bring in the guy who might kill you and you are not to look up fro his boots". he just seems like a backwater dolt. but he very well could be talking with other pedos out there and they played show and tell.

i dont know. if that is the case, perhaps brooke WAS sold. in which case time is of the essence bc the hotter the heat, the bigger the likelyhood they will kill her. which is why LE may be still sticking to the myspace crap.

[Ruby]

It's still really galling to me that it took until Sunday/Monday to shift attention to the uncle. He was the last one with her, he found the clothes, and he is A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WHOSE RECORD MATCHES THIS CRIME.

How on earth did the police not know that within hours of her disappearance? I don't get it, and it makes me very, very angry.:yell:

[tricia71]

i'm right there with you ruby

[Mom of 4]

I suspect that the police were looking at the Uncle from the get go. What they believe and what they issue in the way of statements to the press are 2 different things. For instance they knew the Uncle found the articles of clothing all along but they didn't release that information until after they announced they were focusing on the Uncle. They were likely trying to make him think they believed him so he wouldn't feel spooked and perhaps would give them some clues about where she is.


Police confirmed Monday that it was Jacques who discovered the clothes.

Classic consciousness of guilt right there. If he was certain there was no evidence tying him to a body he probably would have "found" that too if she is indeed gone and sadly I strongly suspect she is.:mad:

[mo.armymom]

I don't believe her uncle "found" her clothing to make them think he was helping. I think he did this to explain away fiber's that will tie him to the crime.

[w8ng4msrgt]

Please tell me mama isn't related to this guy. http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1121&highlight=Gagnon

lives with her mother, Cassandra Gagnon,

[Mom of 4]

I don't believe her uncle "found" her clothing to make them think he was helping. I think he did this to explain away fiber's that will tie him to the crime.

Well she spent the night at his house and rode in his vehicle so that would be fairly easy to explain. His DNA on or in her body......not so much though. :mmph:

[mo.armymom]

Classic consciousness of guilt right there. If he was certain there was no evidence tying him to a body he probably would have "found" that too if she is indeed gone and sadly I strongly suspect she is.:mad:[/QUOTE]


I agree 100%.

[Mom of 4]

If there are "others" in his little scheme I hope to hell they have these young girls in protective custody. I am surprised he hasn't rolled on the other guys and tried to pin this on one or both of them.

[SoUncool]

Please tell me mama isn't related to this guy. http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1121&highlight=Gagnon

lives with her mother, Cassandra Gagnon,

If they are related, it would be by marriage I would think. Don't know if this is her maiden name or if she is remarried... I'm sure you could dig up that info though, right? :D

[SoUncool]

Police Arrest Stepdad Ray Gagnon

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212155648.shtml


Second arrest made - Brooke Bennett, 12, has been missing since Wednesday and now another man has been arrested as a result of the investigation into Brooke's disappearance - her stepfather.

Brooke's uncle, who has been arrested on sex charges while officials desperately search for some sign of his missing niece, is a 'person of interest' in Brooke's disappearance while another man, Ray Gagnon, has been arrested on charges of sexual assault against a minor - but police are stressing his arrest is not related to Brooke's case.

According to Brooke's father, James Bennett, Brooke lived with Ray Gagnon for six years in Alabama before he moved to Texas. He is accused of sexually assaulting another minor in Royalton last summer. Gagnon is being held in Springfield for lack of bail. He is due in court in White River Junction this afternoon.

Vermont State Police announced Sunday that Brook Bennett's uncle, who was one of the last people the girl saw before vanishing, was arrested on un-related sex charges. He was arraigned Monday and pleaded "not guilty" - and now is a person of interest.

Police are now shifting their focus more towards Michael Jacques and plan to search his home. He was unable to post bail after his arraignment and was taken back to jail.


http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8584106

Brooke's Former Stepfather Arrested

Another twist in the case of missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Police have arrested her former stepfather on charges he sexually assaulted a minor. They say the arrest of Ray Gagnon, 40, of San Antonio, Texas, comes in connection with child sex charges filed yesterday against Brooke's uncle, Michael Jacques, 42.

[Rotten Apple]

This poor little girl was surrounded by pedos. Don't these women check out the sex offender registry before they start dating?

[Mom of 4]

Fucking Hell! It looks like they found the second member of the Breckenridge Club.


He is accused of sexually assaulting another minor in Royalton last summer.

So mom allowed not one but 2 sex offenders access to her daughter? Lock her up too!:yell:

[tricia71]

SICK FUCKS............DAMN, THIS SHIT PISSES ME OFF.....I HAVE A 15YR OLD DAUGHTER AND BELIEVE ME, BEFORE ANYONE MEETS MY KIDS, THEY GET A BACKGROUND CHECK.....SORRY FOR THE CAPS.......:mmph:

[Ruby]

Holy shit. This poor, poor baby. I'm hoping against hope that she found an internet boyfriend and hightailed it away from these sick fucks. But I kind of doubt it. :(

[SoUncool]

Still looking for a mug but here's Ray Gagnon's info:



Data last updated: 2008-07-01 12:07:31

Inmate ID: 105934
Last: GAGNON
First: RAYMOND
DOB: 1967/11/03
Site: Southern State CF, 700 Charlestown Road, Springfield, VT 05156, (802)885-9800 Caseworker:
Telephone: unknown

[Nell]

Mama likes the pedophiles. Maybe she is involved in this sex ring? Cause if not she is fuckin retarded!

[sorrow_discord]

I don't understand how a mother could allow her daughter around one pedo, let alone two. This case is not looking too good. As a few others have said, I really hope that she is okay and just ran away from what might have been a bad situation.

[Ruby]

Well, the ex-stepdad is just that, an ex. And this is, as far as I know, his first arrest for this. So mama may not have known anything about it. Or perhaps she did and that was why he's an ex.

The uncle though....he's convicted, REGISTERED, and she allowed her daughter to spend the night. That right there is unforgiveable in my book.

[Josie]

Photo's of Mom


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/01/national/main4222215.shtml

[petrina]

well i guess we will find out soon if the girl who uncle enrolled in the sex program recognizes the stepdad as one of the other men she met in the "program"

[Ruby]

Just announced they are adding FEDERAL charges to the ex-stepdad. The charges haven't been released yet, but they were brought today.

I suspect trafficking of some sort....

[w8ng4msrgt]

How many times has mama been married? Brooke Bennett, her sister's last name is Andress, mama'a last name is Gagnon and she sounds like some backwoods redneck.

[tricia71]

some backwoods redneck.



what's wrong with that? :peace:

[w8ng4msrgt]

some backwoods redneck.


what's wrong with that? :peace:

Houston isn't the backwoods that's the big city. You need to go out to Brenham or Shiner to start seeing the backwoods folks.

[Rotten Apple]

Houston isn't the backwoods that's the big city. You need to go out to Brenham or Shiner to start seeing the backwoods folks.

Wha? What about Jasper, Clute or Orange?

[Mom of 4]

OK If Step daddy and the Uncle are in this together this mother is either the stupidest woman on the planet or she knew these fucks were pedophiles. We already know she was aware of the Uncles crimes and let her 12 year old little girl spend the night with him. That's NOT what a responsible mother does. Jesus fucking Christ I bet the 12 year old would have declined the invitation if she knew about her Uncles past charges. Maybe we should teach kids how to look for sex offenders on line so they can at least have a small window of hope? If adult parents are too stupid to keep registered or even SUSPECTED sex offenders like step daddy was away from their children who else can protect them?:frusty:

[w8ng4msrgt]

Wha? What about Jasper, Clute or Orange?

That is damn near Cajun country. You have to watch out for Jasper they like dragging people around with trucks

[The Diabolical Mr. Lieman]

This is exactly whats wrong with our criminal justice system. These people are free, roaming our streets and suburbs, and just recently our fucking Supreme Courts overruled killing these people. Disgusting. Sadly, I've even been told HERE that pedophiles CAN change, that they CAN reform, when they CANNOT. This is a sexual desire, like I like sweet tits on a lady, like I like diving my tongue into an ADULT'S TWAT, these motherfuckers like CHILDREN. I dont say that to be silly, either. These men and women will not, CANNOT change.

These crimes should be treated responsibly....if we cant kill them, we should put them in prisons forever. If they're scared about prison justice, then lock them in solitary confinement for the rest of their goddamn lives. Seriously. They are torturing menaces, and its a goddamn shame that in our modern day society, we treat them with more remorse then we do people who smoke fucking pot too much. Jesus fucking Christ, man.

The easy, and only answer is simple, but too many goddamn pussies find it offensive, and immoral. Kill them. Kill them after their first offense---give them trials, and let the system work. Let them be found guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt, then kill them off the Earth. Treat them like the social disease that they are, and clean them out of our lives.

[SoUncool]

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5936

Backwoods is Hosford, FL and MIDGET WRASSLIN'

[tricia71]

well before houston 5 years ago, i lived in Coweta, Oklahoma .........that's redneck country

[Mom of 4]

This is exactly whats wrong with our criminal justice system. These people are free, roaming our streets and suburbs, and just recently our fucking Supreme Courts overruled killing these people. Disgusting. Sadly, I've even been told HERE that pedophiles CAN change, that they CAN reform, when they CANNOT. This is a sexual desire, like I like sweet tits on a lady, like I like diving my tongue into an ADULT'S TWAT, these motherfuckers like CHILDREN. I dont say that to be silly, either. These men and women will not, CANNOT change.

These crimes should be treated responsibly....if we cant kill them, we should put them in prisons forever. If they're scared about prison justice, then lock them in solitary confinement for the rest of their goddamn lives. Seriously. They are torturing menaces, and its a goddamn shame that in our modern day society, we treat them with more remorse then we do people who smoke fucking pot too much. Jesus fucking Christ, man.

The easy, and only answer is simple, but too many goddamn pussies find it offensive, and immoral. Kill them. Kill them after their first offense---give them trials, and let the system work. Let them be found guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt, then kill them off the Earth. Treat them like the social disease that they are, and clean them out of our lives.


YES, YES, YES!!!!!! http://i25.tinypic.com/2mqolub.gif

Oh and I agree too.....:wink3:

[w8ng4msrgt]

This was his daughter or step-daughter. The fucking wife needs to be bitch slapped for not doing anything about it.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a320/w8ng4msrgt/2008%20Pictures/crise/bennett.jpg

[mo.armymom]

[QUOTE=w8ng4msrgt;50924]This was his daughter or step-daughter. The fucking wife needs to be bitch slapped for not doing anything about it.

I want to kick that bitch in the teeth. She just sat back, and let it happen. All the signs were there. Fuckin bitch chose not to see them.

[SoUncool]

Do we know the age of the girl the uncle is accused of assaulting??

[Mom of 4]

Do we know the age of the girl the uncle is accused of assaulting??



I thought i read that she was the same age as Brooke but I may be mistaken.

[w8ng4msrgt]

Do we know the age of the girl the uncle is accused of assaulting??

She will be 15 in October

[Funkmama]

This case is so sad. I just know that something really bad happened. I think its even bigger than we suspect it is... I bet she's not the first...

[petrina]

yes it said she was 9 when it started and it happened for 5 years- the fuckinridge program or is it breckenfuck idk

[Ruby]

Ok, so the federal charges against the ex-step-dad are for obstruction of justice for destroying key evidence. And they are reporting that he is implicated IN THIS CASE. So it's really an all-in-the-family fucking free-for-all. Did anyone in this family have this girl's interests at heart?

And now, having seen the video clip of the family, I'm wondering how old her sister is, and whether she went through anything with family members....

Oops...the link: http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8584106


Stepfather Implicated in Brooke's Disappearance

White River Junction, Vermont - July 1, 2008

More twists today in the case of missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett. Her former stepfather is now implicated in her disappearance.

Ray Gagnon, 40, of Texas is in federal custody in Vermont. The FBI said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that Gagnon is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly destroying evidence in the case.

"The FBI is in the process of bringing Mr Gagnon over to the federal side on charges of obstruction of justice, related to the obstruction of evidence to this investigation. And that's I can say at this point," said FBI Special Agent John Fikus.

Gagnon is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court Wednesday in Burlington.

Earlier today, Vermont State Police said Gagnon sexually assaulted a minor in Randolph last summer, but he has not been charged in that case. Police are not saying who the victim was, but will say that it was not Brooke.

Police were led to Gagnon during their investigation of Brooke's uncle, Michael Jacques. He was charged yesterday with participating in a child sex ring called Breckenridge and victimizing a child for several years. The ring allegedly involved other men and possibly other victims, but police will not say if Gagnon was a member of the Breckenridge ring.

[Countess Olenska]

This is exactly whats wrong with our criminal justice system. These people are free, roaming our streets and suburbs, and just recently our fucking Supreme Courts overruled killing these people. Disgusting. Sadly, I've even been told HERE that pedophiles CAN change, that they CAN reform, when they CANNOT. This is a sexual desire, like I like sweet tits on a lady, like I like diving my tongue into an ADULT'S TWAT, these motherfuckers like CHILDREN. I dont say that to be silly, either. These men and women will not, CANNOT change.

These crimes should be treated responsibly....if we cant kill them, we should put them in prisons forever. If they're scared about prison justice, then lock them in solitary confinement for the rest of their goddamn lives. Seriously. They are torturing menaces, and its a goddamn shame that in our modern day society, we treat them with more remorse then we do people who smoke fucking pot too much. Jesus fucking Christ, man.

The easy, and only answer is simple, but too many goddamn pussies find it offensive, and immoral. Kill them. Kill them after their first offense---give them trials, and let the system work. Let them be found guilty BEYOND a reasonable doubt, then kill them off the Earth. Treat them like the social disease that they are, and clean them out of our lives.


I agree and need to change my panties now to. It's a twofer!

[~Absynthe~]

This all so fucked up!!! As far as I am concerned her mother and aunt are just as fucking sick as the men involved!! Both of them knew about these guys and didn't do a damn thing!!

Did she actually run away..I hope so..but I doubt it.

Did one of these guys kill her because she was sick of the shit and was gonna tell..possibly.

Did one of the Breckenridge members that we don't know of take her as his own personal sex slave..possibly.

Could she have made it back to Alabama and some one is hiding her to protect her..I hope so..but I doubt it.

I am so fed up with pedophiles..just fucking kill them all..no if's ,ands or buts about it! :yell:

[w8ng4msrgt]

The Criminal Past of Brooke's Uncle

Chelsea, Vermont - July 1, 2008

We have learned more about Brooke Bennett's uncle Michael Jacques and his prior conviction for kidnapping and rape in 1992.

Jacques, 42, was charged Monday with raping a child repeatedly for five years and taking part in a sex ring called Breckenridge. This is not the first time the 42-year-old has been the focus of a sex crime investigation.

In 1992, he was convicted of kidnapping and rape. Court records show that the victim was an 18-year-old woman he supervised at a fast-food business in Rutland. The records show he and a friend got her drunk and then he alone forced her into his car and over the next four hours raped her several times while she was choked with a rope around her neck, gagged with a cloth in her mouth, and handcuffed with police-style cuffs.

The victim later told police that Jacques told her he had killed a 12-year-old girl he raped in Arizona in 1985 because she threatened to go to the police, so he had to kill her.

Rest of story (http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8587385)

[w8ng4msrgt]

Statement by Col. James Baker, Vt. State Police director
5:49 p.m.
July 1, 2008



Good Afternoon. Thank you all for coming. I’m Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police.

The media and the public’s patience and understanding throughout this investigation continue to be valued, and as this investigation rapidly unfolds, your patience and understanding will be even more vital.

This case is making progress. We continue to have over fifty investigators working the investigation. The focus of today’s investigation continued with the search of the Jacques’ property. The New England K-9 team assisted in this search. We continue to gather evidence in the investigation.

As you know, Michael Jacques of Randolph, Vermont was arrested on Sunday for sexually assaulting a minor. As a bi-product of this investigation, the Vermont State Police have arrested Ray Gagnon of San Antonio, Texas for Aggravated Sexual Assault, which is in connection with Jacques’ arrest. Gagnon was placed in Federal Custody prior to his arrangement. Special Agent in Charge, John Pikus will comment on this further at the conclusion of my statement.

Michael Jacques continues to be a person of interest in the disappearance of Brooke Bennett.

Rest of story (http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/NEWS/97212770)

[Countess Olenska]

I had a step sister that ran away for a few weeks. She was in a beat up trailer with her bf at the time. I wish this was one of those situations but I have a feeling it's all for naught.

[SoUncool]

Vt police reports progress in search for girl

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5866625.html


BETHEL, Vt. — The head of the state police said Tuesday that authorities are making "great progress" in the search for 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, but he gave few details.

"I think we're eliminating possibilities where she may be. I just don't want to be in the business of predicting how close we are. Our efforts right now, our unfettered efforts, are to locate Brooke and bring her home to her family," Col. James Baker said at a news conference.

Baker reiterated that Michael Jacques, Brooke's uncle, remains a "person of interest" in her June 25 disappearance. He declined to say if the same is true of her stepfather, Ray Gagnon, 40, of San Antonio, whose arrest muddled an already confused situation Tuesday.

Authorities said Gagnon was on a regular visit to Vermont from Texas when he was arrested after questioning at the state police barracks in Royalton on Monday evening, said Baker. He was being held at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.

Police continued Tuesday to scour Jacques' property, including with search dogs.

James Bennett, Brooke's father, identified Gagnon as Brooke's stepfather. Bennett said Gagnon had been married to Brooke's mother, Cassandra Gagnon. He said they separated about four years ago and may have divorced.

So, to me this sounds like they might actually know where she is? Maybe they think she went somewhere to get away from the fuckheads and is maybe waiting until they are all arrested? The plot just keeps getting thickerer and thickerer...

[Ruby]

Yeah, I read that one online a little while ago and was wondering about the wording, too. They definitely feel they know something and they're moving. Whether it's to find where she's hiding or recover her body, they don't say. I sure hope it's the former!!!

[Unamused Cat]

Maybe the uncle sold her to another pedophile. :(

[Ruby]

Yes, UC, that was one of my "Three Possible Scenarios" I posted a few pages back. It's not one I like to think about. But it definitely crossed my mind!

[SoUncool]

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/Missing-girls-former-stepfather-allegedly-destroyed/1215015010.html

Missing girl's former stepfather allegedly destroyed evidence


Raymond Gagnon was married to Brooke's Bennett's mother for
about five years. The mother told the San Antonio Express-News that
Gagnon came to Vermont to try to help out after her disappearance
made national news last week.

Gagnon ended being arrested and is expected to be charged in
federal court Wednesday with obstructing justice by destroying
unspecified evidence in the case.

[SoUncool]

Vigil to be held for missing Vermont girl




A vigil will be held in Randolph, Vermont this evening for missing 12-year-old Brooke Bennett.

Still no word on the girl's whereabouts.

[petrina]

so has anyone looked in texas?

dude comes here after she is reported missing and detroys evidence.

maybe dude came up sooner, kidnapped her to tx, traded, sold, or killed her, and then drove back when he "heard" that she was missing, or that the other girl rolled, or he remembered he forgot to hide the bloody glove or something.

hey, it could happen.

at LEAST check his computer!!!

[solange82200]

Teen says she helped take 12-year-old to his home, court document says.

BURLINGTON, Vt. - A teenage girl admitted helping the uncle of a missing 12-year-old get her to his home, where he planned to have sex with her, according to affidavit details released Wednesday.

In the U.S. District Court affidavit, the unnamed teen told federal agents that she herself had been having sex with the man, Michael Jacques, since she was 9 in a sex ring called Breckinridge. Jacques, 42, is in jail awaiting trial on sex charges unrelated to the disappearance of Brooke Bennett.

The teen said she was with Jacques when he dropped Brooke off at a store on June 25 and then helped get her to Jacques' home. Brooke has not been seen since.

The teen said she was told that Brooke was going to become a part of the sex ring.

Ex-stepdad arrested
The 12-year-old's former stepfather was arrested Monday and was being charged with obstructing justice by destroying evidence.

Neither the FBI nor the head of state police discussed what evidence Ray Gagnon is alleged to have destroyed or whether that evidence was part of the investigation or unrelated sexual assault accusations against him.

Gagnon, 40, had been scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on a sexual assault charge involving a minor, but the arraignment was canceled as federal authorities took over. At an afternoon news conference, state police head Col. James Baker said that case was still being investigated and the charge could be refiled.

Baker said authorities were making progress in the search for Brooke, but he gave few details.

"I think we're eliminating possibilities where she may be," Baker said. "Our efforts right now, our unfettered efforts, are to locate Brooke and bring her home to her family."

Baker reiterated that Jacques, the person with whom Brooke was last seen, remains a "person of interest" in her disappearance. He declined to say if the same was true of Gagnon.

Authorities said Gagnon was on a regular visit to Vermont from Texas when he was arrested Monday.

Police continued Tuesday to scour Jacques' property, using search dogs.

'Program for sex' allegation
On Monday, Jacques was arraigned on an aggravated sexual assault charge involving a different girl, who is quoted in court papers as saying Jacques told her he would be her trainer in a "program for sex." It was not immediately clear if that girl was the same one saying she helped Jacques.

The girl said she had met three men in the program, including Jacques, and that she was told two other girls also were in the program. "The first who does it lives and the second gets her throat cut," she told police, according to an affidavit filed in court Monday.

Jacques dropped Brooke off at a convenience store on June 25, and surveillance video shows they left in separate directions. She had told family members she was going to meet a friend and visit a hospitalized relative of the friend, but police believe that was a lie.

In the sex assault case, Jacques pleaded not guilty and was being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. His attorney called the evidence in the case "very sparse."

Jacques has 1993 convictions for kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault. Prosecutors argued against bail, saying he posed a threat to the accuser and had violated probation.

James Bennett, Brooke's father, said Gagnon had been married to Brooke's mother, Cassandra Gagnon. He said they separated about four years ago and may have divorced.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/solange82200/n_vt_missinggirl_080702300w.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a211/solange82200/08070-vermont-girl-hmed-840asmall.jpg


Link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25499005/

[solange82200]

Sorry if this was already posted, I searched for her name and couldn't find it. This is beyond disturbing. This guy has been molesting TWO different female relative kids. How could the parents of this girl allow him to be around her, knowing that he is a convicted sex offender? Good god

[Rotten Apple]

It has been, I will merge the threads.

[solange82200]

Thanks Kathy. It's not looking good, I am so sure this asshole killed this poor girl. To be 12 years old and have a perverted uncle who wants to have sex with her, AND a perverted stepfather???? What a short horrible life this poor angel had

[SoUncool]

A few more details from a different article...apparently, it was "initiation day."

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/16771730/detail.html


BURLINGTON, Vt. -- A 14-year-old told authorities she helped Michael Jacques, Brooke Bennett's uncle, take the 12-year-old to Jacques' Randolph home on June 25 to be initiated into a sex ring called Breckinridge. Brooke has not been seen since that day.

The girl said she understood that as part of the initiation, Brooke "would have sex with adult males," according to the affidavit in U.S. District Court.

The girl said she and Brooke watched television for a while before Jacques told her to leave and took Brooke upstairs. The girl said she left the house with her boyfriend and did not see Brooke again.

[SoUncool]

More ungood news...

http://i32.tinypic.com/4m7x3.jpg
Court sketch of Gagnon

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8610899&nav=4QcS


The information came in federal court where Brooke's former stepfather, Ray Gagnon, is facing obstruction of justice charges brought by federal officials. According to court papers, Gagnon rented a room in a house in San Antonio owned by Kevin Grosenheider. Gagnon allegedly called Grosenheider and asked him to throw out a safe that contained a laptop. The safe was thrown into a dumpster and police have not been able to find it.

Court papers also say that Michael Jacques knew Brooke's user name and the password to her MySpace account and went in and altered her page on the day she disappeared. Jacques also allegedly had Gagnon go on to MySpace and change Brooke's user name and password. Cell phone records show four calls between Jacques and Gagnon on the day Brooke disappeared.

According to the court papers, computer forensics traced activity on Brooke's page to San Antonio and Jacques' laptop.

Here's the link to the affidavit:


Read the affidavit containing the evidence against Raymond Gagnon.**
**WARNING: This document contains graphic and explicit content not suitable for children.


http://blackpearl.wcax.com/documents/Gagnon_affidavit.pdf

[sorrow_discord]

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8612211

I hate to say, but it seems they found her.


Bethel, Vermont - July 2, 2008

Police believe they have found the remains of Brooke Bennett, 12, of Braintree. Police say the remains were found on property on Crocker Road near the home of Michael Jacques. Yesterday, police found ground there that had been recently disturbed. Today, a search found the body there. Police say Brooke's body was recovered at 4:45 p.m.

Brooke disappeared a week ago. She was last seen at a Randolph convenience store with her uncle, Michael Jacques. Police had previously called Jacques a person of interest in her disappearance and they had been searching his property in Randolph.

Late this afternoon, federal authorities also announced they will charge Jacques with kidnapping Brooke. The affidavit will not be released until the charges are filed in court Thursday morning.

[SoUncool]

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8612211

I hate to say, but it seems they found her.

Thanks for posting... saw this come out right after I finished reading the fucked up affidavit. I want to cry. I have a daughter the same age...

[Unamused Cat]

Damn... I was hoping she had run to a safe place. :(

[RevAnne]

Just saw that article about finding her body. :( SO sad.

[~Absynthe~]

Vt. police find missing 12-year-old's body; court papers say uncle planned child sex ring

Associated Press | 12 minutes ago in US

Vermont State Police say they have found a body believed to be that of a missing 12-year-old girl.

Col. James Baker says Brooke Bennett's body was found in Randolph shortly before 5 p.m. and her family has been notified.

According to an affidavit, a 14-year-old witness has told investigators that Brooke's uncle brought Brooke to his home to initiate her into a child sex ring the day she disappeared


DAMMIT..DAMMIT..DAMMIT!!!

http://www.newser.com/article/D91M07OG0.html

[Countess Olenska]

Shitty, I was hoping to be wrong. Poor kid.

[~Absynthe~]

As the days went by,,my head told me this was going to ugly..but I was hoping with my heart that I was wrong!!!! :frown2:

[Nell]

I hate people. I fucking hate them. I also have a twelve year old girl. I see her face in this story, I probably shouldn't have read it. What makes him think his orgasm was more important than her dignity, her life? Why would her mother let people like this close enough to her to harm her? And even though she is only 14 and was abused herself I hold a special place of hatred for the cunt that offered her up on a platter, knowing what would happen. I was molested by my uncle and I told him if he ever touched my sister I would cut his balls off. I was only 9.

[petrina]

ok so "the first one lives, the second gets her throat cut" - i always thought that was just to get her to go along with him quickly. but was it actually the plan? why did he have to kill her?

[SoUncool]

Some of this will be repetitive from other articles but I wanted to post the entire statement from the VSP.

6:53 p.m.
July 2, 2008

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS/347504229


It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce that we have located what we believe to be the remains of Brooke Bennett on Crocker Road in Randolph, Vermont.

The identification of Brooke today is a preliminary one. Brooke will be transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington where an autopsy will be scheduled to positively identify her and to determine the cause of death. The death is clearly suspicious. It appears to be foul play.

Brooke was located as a result of information developed during the search of Michael Jacques’ residence. The information developed led investigators to Crocker Road. A team of specially trained FBI agents and Vermont State Police Search and Rescue members, discovered ground that was recently disturbed. This discovery happened on July 1st, 2008. The scene was frozen and a thorough search was conducted today. Brooke was found at 4:45 this afternoon.

A week ago today, Brooke was reported missing. We remained optimistic that we would find her alive. Investigators worked swiftly and diligently to uncover information and evidence that was leading us in the direction of locating Brooke.

The painful discovery of Brooke’s body today is tragic and heartbreaking.
Brooke’s family has been notified. On behalf of all of the investigators, support staff and others who have worked tirelessly on this case, I offer the family our deepest condolences.

Myself, Special Agent in Charge John Pikus and Major Tom L’Esperance will be meeting with the family shortly to assure them that the investigative team that we have assembled is focused more then ever. As I’ve stated before, this investigation is making progress.

With the discovery of Brooke, our investigation is now narrowed and focused.
All of the investigators and the support staff in this investigation are committed to closing this investigation out successfully.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brooke, her family and friends. I ask you respect the privacy of Brooke’s family at this time.

I recognize the information provided at this time is vague, however we felt it was important to inform you of this drastic change in the investigation.

With that said, I am not prepared, nor can I answer questions at this time as we are at yet another crucial stage in the investigation.

A press conference will be scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 AM at the US Attorney’s Office in Burlington. The media should arrive at 9:30 AM.

Thank you for your attention.

[SoUncool]

I hate people. I fucking hate them. I also have a twelve year old girl. I see her face in this story, I probably shouldn't have read it. What makes him think his orgasm was more important than her dignity, her life? Why would her mother let people like this close enough to her to harm her? And even though she is only 14 and was abused herself I hold a special place of hatred for the cunt that offered her up on a platter, knowing what would happen. I was molested by my uncle and I told him if he ever touched my sister I would cut his balls off. I was only 9.

:hug: Big hugs Nell...I also have a 12-yr old daughter and that's why this case has really hit home with me this past week. RIP dear Brooke... :rip: :frown2:

[solange82200]

I hate people. I fucking hate them. I also have a twelve year old girl. I see her face in this story, I probably shouldn't have read it. What makes him think his orgasm was more important than her dignity, her life? Why would her mother let people like this close enough to her to harm her? And even though she is only 14 and was abused herself I hold a special place of hatred for the cunt that offered her up on a platter, knowing what would happen. I was molested by my uncle and I told him if he ever touched my sister I would cut his balls off. I was only 9.

I was wondering the same thing, but I didnt want to say something because I dont have kids that age and I dont want to seem judgemental. But I too would like to know where the mother was when her 12 year old daughter was hanging out with her convicted sexual offender brother. Not only does she let her daughter around her brother, but she marries another child molestor. Good job, Mom! Good fucking job! Burn in hell bitch

[michelle]

What as a society can we do to stop these predators? We can lock our kids away. What kinda life is that? We, the people of these United States and our law makers need to come up with something. I don't know the answer, but it's a question I will ponder.
FUCKKKKKK! Flying babies, stomping infants, raping infants, beating, starving, selling our kids...
My head is gonna explode.

[SoUncool]

More than 300 people are gathered to mourn Brooke Bennett
9:24 p.m.
July 2, 2008

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS/711028943


RANDOLPH, Vt. - About 300 people gathered Wednesday night to mourn the death of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, whose body was found near her uncle's home a week after she had disappeared.

The gathering was originally organized as a candlelight vigil for Brooke's safe return. Authorities found her dead about 4:45 p.m.

"Brooke Marie, I love you so much," her mother, Cassandra Gagnon, said at the event at the town gazebo. A large photo of Brooke was on display. "I just ask that justice be done for the person who took my baby away," she said, sobbing.

She thanked the crowd for attending. "I ask for continued support because this has just begun for me," Gagnon said.

Brooke's father, James Bennett, added, "I know Brooke knows that we love her and will always love her."

At the gathering, people hugged each other around the town gazebo, lit candles and sang "Amazing Grace."

Teachers and schoolmates from Randolph Union High School, where Brooke had just finished seventh grade, showed their support.

Others who came said they didn't know Brooke well, but they wanted to be there for her all the same.

[Mom of 4]

Well I can't say I am surprised but I was praying my feelings were wrong. Just shoot these two pieces of shit and get it over with. I hope she's in a better place. :frustrating:

[~Absynthe~]

http://videos.stltoday.com/p/video?id=1976395

[Funkmama]

I really don't know what to say. I look like an idiot because I am sobbing my eyes out at my desk. Brook, I hope you're at peace. My thoughts are with the family, but the mother, she paid the ultimate price for being a moron. I still feel for her though. I was hoping that this wouldn't happen. Somehow I knew it would, though.

I'm so sorry Brook, you didn't deserve this.

[solange82200]

Michelle, I was thinking the same thing this morning and last night. It seems all we do is prosecute and solve the cases AFTER the kid is dead. What can we do to stop these people? It seems like it happens way too often (I know that we only hear about the bad stuff, so it may just be perception). But I cant help but think what are the chances of this girl to have not only her stepdad be a pervert child molestor, but her uncle too??? That makes me feel like there are too many people like this out there. What can the government do? What can we as a society do? There has to be something

[SoUncool]

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212156066.shtml


A third suspect has been identified in the case of Brooke Bennett - Raoul Domingo, who lured another minor girl into sexual relationships. However, according to the press conference held at 10 am EST, the affidavit indicates Raoul may just be a name Brooke's uncle Michael Jacques used in emails at his workplace or home.

[~Absynthe~]

http://blackpearl.wcax.com/d
ocuments/Jacques_affidavit.pdf (http://blackpearl.wcax.com/documents/Jacques_affidavit.pdf)

This is all very graphic..but page 3, I find very interesting. The aunt knew without a doubt..and I will bet you the farm that it was her daughter!

I also feel that she would have talked to her sister about this.

[SoUncool]

Bennett's uncle charged with kidnapping; new details revealed

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080703/NEWS/6468106
July 3, 2008


BURLINGTON -- Michael Jacques, the convicted sex offender linked to the disappearance of 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, today was charged with kidnapping in the case.

The kidnapping charge was filed in federal court and for now will supercede state charges against Jacques for sexual assault against a minor. Those state charges will remain in place and can be re-imposed at any point, officials said today.

In addition, authorities believe Jacques planted one of Bennett's shoes and a handkerchief with semen on it in Brookfield to mislead authorities. That semen has been identified as belonging to Juvenile 1's boyfriend. Authorities today would not comment further on that point.

Prosecutors said the death penalty possible in the case.

[mo.armymom]

This mother fucker thought he had it all planned out, huh. Even thought to frame a minor and everything. He needs a bullet between the eyes, along with the others.

[Ruby]

This case has more twists and freakish angles than most. Someone really oughta frontpage it....just to shame this fucker and get him some attention. I should do it, but it would take such a long time to do....and I'm so very lazy....

[SoUncool]

I am now convinced that the 14-year old cousin is not quite as innocent in this whole thing as I initially thought. She was a willing participant and even wanted Brooke to suffer to "see how she likes it."

The little bitch needs to be charged with the big boys.

Sorry this is long but I did cut out a bunch of stuff that had already been posted previously.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=5300619&page=1

I'm putting up fuck-face's pic again just to remind us all how fucking twisted and FUGLY this dude is.

http://i26.tinypic.com/oata3k.jpg


Uncle of Missing Vermont Girl Found Dead Allegedly Enlisted Teen Lover as Accomplice

The man suspected in the death of Brooke Bennett and his teenage lover plotted together for weeks to abduct the 12-year-old Vermont girl so that she could be initiated into an organized sex ring, according to shocking federal court documents released today.

Court papers also suggest that Michael Jacques, Bennett's 42-year-old uncle who is charged with her kidnapping, may have been preparing for the likelihood that the girl would never return home.

Jacques allegedly took steps before Bennett's abduction to lure police into thinking that she had gone to meet someone she had been corresponding with online. And before Bennett's disappearance, Jacques instructed his 14-year-old female accomplice to collect semen from her boyfriend, which was later planted near Bennett's torn underwear.

Federal prosecutors allege that Jacques used a pair of online identities to manipulate his young accomplice into thinking she was working with several men who were planning to initiate Bennett into a secret sex training program called "Breckenridge."

The unnamed girl, who is a minor, repeatedly expressed her willingness to help lure Bennett into Jacques' clutches and to help subdue Bennett if necessary, according to a stream of e-mails released by investigators.

The planning into Bennett's abduction began as early as May 28, according to e-mails recovered by authorities from a pair of computers belonging to Jacques.

Juvenile 1 writes about a "farming season" in which her "teasing" results in sex with multiple partners.

Investigators believe that Jacques wrote to Juvenile 1 under two names, "Rauel Domingo" and "Chevy Pickup."

On May 28, according to the complaint, the e-mail user Rauel Domingo wrote that they needed to find a way to get Bennett involved in the "Breckenridge" program soon. Juvenile 1 suggested how to set up the abduction and said that she wanted to see Bennett suffer to "see how she likes it."

On June 20, an e-mail from Domingo worries about Juvenile 1's willingness to carry out the plan.

I want to know if you are willing to help dad with the taken-down and the tie up on Wednesday morning," Domingo asks her.

It is unclear whether "dad" refers to Jacques. The e-mail also suggests that a Taser could be used. "I suppose we could just have him tase her and knock her down then do it himself, but that is a little more traumatic than I wanted her to experience that early in the morning," read the e-mail. "She will have enough of that later."

Juvenile 1 writes back to assure Domingo that she "will help out dad witht [sic] the tie down," according to the complaint.

At the same time, additional instruction was coming from "Chevy Pickup" that warned Juvenile 1 about the importance of protecting the "Breckenridge" program.

On June 23, two days before Brooke's disappearance, Chevy Pickup instructed Juvenile 1 in an e-mail to have her boyfriend, identified as Juvenile 2, ejaculate on her stomach and wipe up the semen with a "CLEAN, PLAIN" handkerchief, according to an e-mail cited in the complaint.

"Then put the handkerchief into a plastic sandwich bag and seal it up and hide it," the e-mail to Juvenile 2 instructed. A semen-stained handkerchief was found near Bennett's torn underpants the day after she disappeared.

Authorities also traced a June 16 purchase by Jacques of more than $1,000 worth of sexual items from a Web site that were shipped to his Vermont home.

Raymond Gagnon, Brooke Bennett's stepfather, also faces a federal obstruction of justice charge tied to his role in allegedly helping Jacques cover up the girl's disappearance.

Gagnon, who lives in San Antonio, Texas, admitted to investigators that he accessed Brooke's MySpace account after the night of June 25 with password and username information provided by Jacques. He told authorities he did not make any changes to her posting.

Gagnon also admitted to authorities that he had three-way sex with Juvenile 1 and Jacques in June 2007 during a visit to Vermont.

Authorities in Vermont beat back fears today that the man suspected in the kidnapping death of Brooke Bennett is involved in a deeper organized sex ring targeting other children in the state. They acknowledged, however, that they don't have answers to all of their questions.

"If your questions is 'Is there a Breckenridge society?' the short answer is we don't know for sure," Anderson, the federal prosecutor, said at the news conference.

"There's nothing from this investigation that's been turned up...of any ongoing efforts to recruit young girls or boys in Vermont to have sex with adults," he said.

[sherrz]

Wow.. Thanks for that post, SoUncool. I hope they get this 14 y/o with something, I've felt that way even before that post. I just don't understand this at all, what a dear little girl.

RIP Brooke, at least you're somewhere now where those sick fucks can never get you again. :'(

[solange82200]

Absynthe, you may be right. The juvenile is HER daughter, and Jaques' stepdaughter? And what do you mean by "she would have told her sister about this". I hope to god that they charge the aunt with something. All the things that she found, and she had no idea what her husband was doing??? Fucking sickening

P.S. This really needs to be front-paged. I know today is a holiday, so Ill give you guys a break ;) But tomorrow!

Edit: Well, here's a fucking surprise:

WCAX News has learned that Jacques was first charged with a sex crime 23 years ago but it was dismissed. And, we have also learned that after a 1993 rape conviction, a judge released him from probation EARLY despite the strong objections of prosecutors.

Another interesting tidbit (are we supposed to be surprised that he ended up raping and killing a child):

Court records released today show his sex crime history began in 1985 when he was 18, charged with having sex with a 15-year-old relative.

She told police he had sex with her at least 100 times starting when she was eight.

But she refused to testify against him, so the charge of lewd and lascivious conduct had to be dismissed. :puke:

[Rotten Apple]

Just an FYI folks, Dreamin Demon tends to concentrate on stories that are not getting the amount of national media attention that this one is.

There are a few that have been hit BEFORE they hit the national media and then blew up, but there are few that have hit after. This AND very busy personal lives are the reason that this story has not been front paged yet.

[Lizard]

The little bitch needs to be charged with the big boys.

Considering that he's been grooming her, manipulating her, and fucking her since she was 9 years old, I hardly think calling her a "little bitch" and throwing her in with "the big boys" is warranted. Yeah, she's one fucked up kid, all right, I lay that mainly on Jacques and also on her parents and any other adult male who felt it was all right to stick his dick in any of her orifices.

[SoUncool]

Considering that he's been grooming her, manipulating her, and fucking her since she was 9 years old, I hardly think calling her a "little bitch" and throwing her in with "the big boys" is warranted. Yeah, she's one fucked up kid, all right, I lay that mainly on Jacques and also on her parents and any other adult male who felt it was all right to stick his dick in any of her orifices.

While it is true that she may also be a victim in this case. I'm still not convinced she's "all that innocent". She clearly stated that she wanted Brooke "to suffer so she knows what it feels like." She suggested using a taser on her. She sold Brooke down the river and that's why I think she needs to face some sort of consequences. More than likely she will be charged with something and given a reduced sentence for testifying against the fuckheads. She was an accessory in this regardless. She needs help and hopefully can be rehabilitated and lead a normal life and have normal relationships.

[~Absynthe~]

Absynthe, you may be right. The juvenile is HER daughter, and Jaques' stepdaughter? And what do you mean by "she would have told her sister about this". I hope to god that they charge the aunt with something. All the things that she found, and she had no idea what her husband was doing??? Fucking sickening

What I meant about that was..that Jaques had been in the family for quite some time, Denise knew that these things where going on with her daughter..I think and believe that she would have shared this information with Brooke's mom since they were sisters. But that is just my opinion...

[solange82200]

Thanks Kathy, I see your point.

Absynthe, that would mean that Brooke's mom knew about his tendencies and still let her daughter interact with him. I agree. That is why I harbor so much hatred for her, although I could be wrong.

I have to agree with Lizard in regards to the girl, he has been brainwashing her since she was 9. I think she was hoping that Brooke going through the same thing would somehow bring it all to light, or get the uncle caught. Who knows. But it's thanks to her that he got caught, her confession to the police helped tremendously, from what I can tell.

[mo.armymom]

What I meant about that was..that Jaques had been in the family for quite some time, Denise knew that these things where going on with her daughter..I think and believe that she would have shared this information with Brooke's mom since they were sisters. But that is just my opinion...


Thanks Kathy, I see your point.

Absynthe, that would mean that Brooke's mom knew about his tendencies and still let her daughter interact with him. I agree. That is why I harbor so much hatred for her, although I could be wrong.

I have to agree with Lizard in regards to the girl, he has been brainwashing her since she was 9. I think she was hoping that Brooke going through the same thing would somehow bring it all to light, or get the uncle caught. Who knows. But it's thanks to her that he got caught, her confession to the police helped tremendously, from what I can tell.

I don't think Denise would have told her sister. I think she didn't want to risk losing that nice income the perv brought in. She was more concerned with herself, than anyone else. I don't believe she was willing to give up the money, no matter what the cost. She new damn well what was happening to her child, she just didn't care.

I don't like this reporter refering to this 14 year old as "his lover". That is just wrong. IMHO

[mo.armymom]

While it is true that she may also be a victim in this case. I'm still not convinced she's "all that innocent". She clearly stated that she wanted Brooke "to suffer so she knows what it feels like." She suggested using a taser on her. She sold Brooke down the river and that's why I think she needs to face some sort of consequences. More than likely she will be charged with something and given a reduced sentence for testifying against the fuckheads. She was an accessory in this regardless. She needs help and hopefully can be rehabilitated and lead a normal life and have normal relationships.

How do we know for sure that the 14 year old wrote those e-mails. He could have wrote some of those himself. They did live in the same house, right?

[Lynntoast]

How do we know for sure that the 14 year old wrote those e-mails. He could have wrote some of those himself. They did live in the same house, right?

The 14 year old VICTIM admitted she wrote them. I hope this girl gets some intense counseling and deprogramming. I also hope she is placed in a home far far away from her "mother" and the rest of this sick twisted family.

[Ruby]

Surprise! It's a homicide! Can you believe that's even a news story? Did anyone on god's green earth think she died of natural causes and wound up in that shallow grave? Oy.

Anyway, at least it's official, though they're not releasing a cause of death at this time:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/07/07/missing.vermont.girl.ap/index.html

[Dakota Valkyrie]

I was out of town for a week and wondered about this case. So busy I only caught the news that she had been found. Much sadness. I knew the whole time that D'D would have info and links that the general news wouldn't include. Thanks to all that posted!

Other than the death of Brooke, the saddest thing is that a mother could knowingly expose her child to all this. It's sad to think that anyone loves an orgasm more than her child's life.

I hope her torment & grief matches her stupidity.

[Boondock]

In regards to the 14 year old, it seems entirely plausible to me that she thought her responses would contribute toward her "grades" from the Breckenridge club. Jacques has basically been programming her responses since she was 9. In one of the posts, something was said about the fact that some of the sex acts forced on this 14 yo verged on torture. If that's the case, she might have been taught to believe that to suffer is a good thing (i.e. she's been taught to be a masochist). In which case the statement "I want her to suffer... See how she likes it" takes on a completely new connotation.

[SoUncool]

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0d257461-79dd-4883-937e-724c1230dbb1

http://i35.tinypic.com/2hyvuvq.jpg


F.B.I. agents spent Thursday digging through a landfill on the East Side of San Antonio.

The agents are searching for evidence on a child pornography ring that is making headlines across the U.S.

FBI agents got a tip that some questionable computer equipment could be buried in the Tessman Road landfill off of IH-10.

The computer hard drives belong to Raymond Gagnon. Gagnon is the former stepfather of 12-year-old murder victim Brooke Bennett of Vermont.

F.B.I. agents searched the landfill in hopes they'd find a safe and computer Gagnon said he told his landlord to throw away last month.

In his arrest affidavit, Gagnon admitted he's downloaded a vast amount of child porn from the internet. Investigators believe images of children as young as five are on the hard drive. Gagnon admitted to investigators the computer has still photos of a young girl engaged in sex acts, and that he received the images from Michael Jacques.

F.B.I agents have not yet said whether or not they found the computer.

[RevAnne]

That's so unsettling to hear of things like this happening in your home town (I grew up in SA and live right down the road). *Shiver*

[Wonder]

July 7, Uncle Held Without Bail
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,377281,00.html

Gagnon married Brooke's mother in 2000, but they later divorced.

During Gagnon's hearing, federal prosecutors in Alabama charged the 40-year-old with possessing child pornography at his former home in Cullman, Ala.

In affidavits filed in Vermont, the FBI said Jacques changed a posting to Brooke's MySpace account the night she was reported missing. Gagnon also accessed the account that night, but denied changing the posting, according to the affidavit.

In announcing the pornography charge, federal prosecutors in Birmingham, Ala., said Gagnon acknowledged trying to access the account again from a public computer in the Cullman library "on or about" June 26, the next day.

The complaint in Alabama said Gagnon flew from San Antonio to Cullman that day and on to Burlington on June 27.

Neither Jacques nor Gagnon has entered a plea.

------------------

july 9, Nearly 1,000 Attend Funeral
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,378403,00.html
------------------

This is the video link from a previous post with the mother, ? half-sister and father... The mom is showing no emotion at all... she is really strangly cold - maybe she had a triple doze of tranqulizors
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/01/national/main4222215.shtml
------------------

it really puzzles me how a man with a criminal record lands a good job and a very nice house. Where I live your lucky if you can get a job in mcdonalds or a laborer after a prison sentence. Operation Manager of what ? in all seriousness.... or Operation manager of the breckinridge.... omg...

I also am wondering if these men became friends in prison. could be gagnon introduced jacques to brooke's mom... or vice vs. - Or just became close because they were married to sisters.

Aunt Denise may not of shared her findings stated in the pdf file. with anyone due to shame and embarrassment. I too would have to agree that their should be charges pressed against her also. I am worried for her child that she is damaged permanently. I would agree to counseling for her but to find the right treatment will be tough. I suspect she will end up committing suicide and or struggle along as a woman in adulthood.

I do believe they are hunting the landfill for that safe and hard drive before making any decisions. I do hope they find what they are looking for. I hope there is incriminating evidence on those files to oust the mother as well. Yes no doubt she knew ... her husband had a past and her daughter surely showed signs of sexual activity...

If they don't find the safe then I hope they can indict the man that did the favor by tossing it... for not presenting it to the authories... These men should be the vulturers digging in the garbage dump

This child, testifing for the prosecution or not willingly did a dirty low down thing not only to collect seman from her b/f to frame him for brooke's murder. I'm taking bets, how old do you expect this b/f to be? Furthermore not to have told someone this was happening to her over a 5 yr perior and not to protect her younger peers... to initiate brooke in the sex ring as well... especially if she knew it entailed suffering. Regardless if it exist or not. In her mind it does in fact exist. She was probably reaping rewards for her work. rather be cash or clothes or games etc. The money and gifts made it all worth wild.

I trust that Brooke knew what they were doing was wrong and simply refused to preform and that is why she was killed. They needed to back up their threaths

Photos:

I also noticed Brooke's eye makeup - maybe its how I was raised but we were not wearing eye liner in our preteens.

[Lucy]

http://www.wptz.com/news/16909289/detail.html


SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The former stepfather of a 12-year-old Vermont girl found dead earlier this month is facing more child pornography charges, now in Texas.

A U.S. Attorney's office in Texas says a grand jury indicted Raymond Gagnon on charges he transported and possessed child pornography. Gagnon is also facing child pornography charges in Alabama. In Vermont he is charged with obstructing the search for Brooke Bennett.

Gagnon is Brooke's former stepfather. She went missing June 25 in Randolph and was found dead a week later.

The 40-year-old Gagnon faces obstruction of justice charges in the girl's disappearance.

Brooke's uncle Michael Jacques is charged with kidnapping her.

No one has yet been charged in her death.

[Ruby]

Ugh. Michael Jacques has now been indicted in Brooke's kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder, with extenuating circumstances that should make him eligible for the death penalty. Grim details.....

Indictment: Girl, 12, targeted for 'termination'

RUTLAND, Vermont (AP) -- Federal prosecutors said Wednesday that a man charged with drugging, sexually assaulting and killing his 12-year-old niece coerced another girl into aiding his plot by claiming to be part of a child-sex club that sometimes selected girls for "termination."

Michael Jaqcues is accused of smothering his 12-year-old niece, Brooke Bennett, with a plastic bag.

The federal grand jury in Rutland that indicted Michael Jacques also handed up special findings that would make him eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted on the charge of kidnapping with death resulting.

Brooke Bennett, of Braintree, disappeared June 25 and was found dead a week later. Her disappearance triggered Vermont's first-ever Amber Alert, and state residents were shocked when her body was found in a shallow grave July 2.

Other charges against Jacques, 42, of Randolph, in the indictment announced Wednesday include five child pornography counts.

Two of Jacques' lawyers -- public defender Michael Desautels and death penalty expert David Ruhnke -- didn't return telephone calls seeking comment on the indictment.

Jacques has been in custody since before the girl's body was found, but the indictment contained new details about the slaying, including that the victim was killed by being smothered with a plastic bag.

Jacques is accused of persuading a 14-year-old girl identified in the indictment only as "J1" to help kidnap Brooke after telling her that Brooke had been "designated for termination because she was causing significant problems for the juvenile's father, resulting in him becoming suicidal."

The indictment said Jacques told J1 about a child-sex club called Breckenridge -- a nonexistent group that Jacques allegedly made up to coerce her into sex for years and to get her to help with Brooke's abduction.

Beginning in 2003, Jacques "intimidated, deceived and persuaded a nine-year-old girl (J1) into believing that a powerful organization named 'Breckenridge' would harm or kill her and her family if she did not engage in sex acts with" him, U.S. Attorney Thomas Anderson said in news release.

Between 2003 and 2008, Jacques caused J1 to engage in sex acts that he videotaped and shipped in interstate commerce, the indictment said.

It said he used fake e-mail, text and other messages to convince J1 that she was hearing from Breckenridge operatives and "that on occasion, Breckenridge 'terminated' girls. J1 was informed that, while she would not be required to participate in such a termination, she might be required to assist in related planning."

Such assistance was required in May and June of this year, the indictment said, when Jacques ordered J1 to help him plan Brooke's abduction by convincing Brooke that she would be attending a pool party at Jacques' house.

According to the indictment:

• Jacques lured Bennett to his house June 24, saying she would be attending the pool party the next day. The next morning, he took her to a Cumberland Farms store in Randolph and dropped her there within view of its video cameras "to create the pretense that he was ending his contact with her."

• He and J1 picked Brooke up nearby a short time later and took Brooke to Jacques' house. Jacques told J1 to leave before he killed the girl.

• A medical examiner determined Jacques "drugged, sexually assaulted and murdered Brooke Bennett." Prosecutors would not comment on what drug was used.

Anderson said it would be up to U.S. Attorney General Robert Mukasey whether prosecutors seek the death penalty against Jacques. That decision "is not expected for several months," which could leave it up to the attorney general of a new presidential administration.

Brooke's disappearance and death has triggered calls by the public and political leaders for toughening Vermont's sex offender laws.

Her father, James Bennett, of Bethel, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, Anderson said federal authorities have dropped an obstruction of justice charge against Raymond Gagnon, 40, the girl's former stepfather -- a charge lodged in connection with her disappearance.

Gagnon, of San Antonio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Texas on charges of production and transportation of child pornography.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/01/brooke.bennett.slain.ap/index.html

[crickett]

This is ALL so heartbreaking. These poor little girls. When my daughter was younger (about 13 or 14) her best friend ran off to meet a "19" year old college boy whom she'd "met" online. My daughter was to cover for her and Beth told her mother that she was staying at our place. Beth's mother called and I told her that, not only was Beth not at our place but Helena was staying with Jenna.
Beth's mother called Jenna's house and Jenna told her that Beth was asleep. Ann (Beth's mother) asked to speak to Helena. Jenna gave the phone to Helena but she and a third girl told her to tell Ann that Beth was asleep.
I'm VERY proud of my little girl. She was worried about Beth and told her mother that she had hopped a bus that morning (in Southern Ohio) and was meeting a boyfriend in California. She then hacked her way into Beth's MySpace and her Yahoo IM and told Ann and the Police when and where Beth was supposed to be meeting this boy. She monitored Beth's accounts and let them know from where Beth was logging in as she went cross country. The police managed (by IP address, I think) to figure out that this "19 year old college student from California" was actually a 30 year old convicted child molester from Southern Ohio who had moved out west. They were just one step behind her all the way to California.
They caught up with Beth at a Greyhound Station in L.A. Boy was she in for a BIG surprise when she met her "19 year old". Yeah...took them away in separate squad cars but she DID see him. This cooled her wandering after that.
And THAT was the reason that I monitored my childrens MySpace accounts.
My son recently wanted to meet a 13 year old girl that he had been communicating with on Runescape (an online game). She was supposed to be in Anaheim. I told him, no problem, get a phone number, I'll talk to her parents, we'll meet a restaurant and I'll even pay for lunch. He sent all that to her...she disappeared off of Runescape and we never heard from "her" again. I DID report this to Runescape as they can track the IP address.

[Aelwynn]

My bad...

[Ruby]

http://www.komonews.com/news/national/30093634.html
Basically they are saying another girl helped him kidnap this one.

Yes, I posted that story 2 posts up in post 170.
Is there something new I'm missing?

[Aelwynn]

Whoops! My bad, I didn't read the thread. I just saw an update on the news. Heh. I'll edit.

[Owd Scrat]

I'm in the capitol Montpelier VT and Rutland is about 10 minutes away. This case was so heartbreaking and disgusting!

Vermont is horrendous in their prosecution and supervision of sex offenders. They got an F from the Megans Law website, or something like that.

When this case broke and they started showing those store tapes it was really freaky because I had dropped my son off at the sitters and had stopped off at that store in Rutland where she was last seen a few minutes right after that recording. I gave the police a statement as to anything I noticed which wasn't much. The whole thing really freaked me out.

:rip: Brooke

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Eight months after the rape and killing of a 12-year-old girl stunned Vermont, the governor signed a bill aimed at improving the state's prosecution of sex crimes.

The wide-ranging law creates a new crime — aggravated sexual assault against a child — that carries a mandatory 25-year minimum prison term. It also gives prosecutors new tools to combat sex crimes, including the expansion of special investigative units across the state, among other changes.

The bill came in response to the killing of Brooke Bennett of Braintree, who disappeared June 25 and was found dead a week later. Her uncle, convicted sex offender Michael Jacques, is charged in her killing.

"I'm very happy that they chose to pass it," Brooke's mother, Cassandra Gagnon, who testified before the Legislature, said of the new law. "I feel that they heard my words when they needed to."

[...]

"He hopes you understand that Brooke and what happened to her will never ever be forgotten and that we will do everything and continue to do everything we can to honor her memory," Sen. John Campbell, committee vice chairman, told Brooke's family.http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090305/NEWS04/903050355/1004/NEWS03

[penelopejo]

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/Ex-Stepdad_Pleads_Guilty_to_C


SAN ANTONIO - The former stepfather of a 12-year-old girl killed in Vermont last year has pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography.

The plea by Raymond Gagnon was accepted by U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez in San Antonio on Monday. Gagnon faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in July. He still faces a related child pornography possession charge in Alabama, the state where he lived before moving to San Antonio in April 2007.

[dmax]

YouTube - The Guy From Boston &quot;Pandemic&quot;

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Federal prosecutors said Tuesday they will seek the death penalty in the case of Michael Jacques, the Randolph man charged with kidnapping, drugging, raping and killing his 12-year-old niece Brooke Bennett last summer.
Advertisement

The decision, disclosed in a “Notice of Intent to Seek a Sentence of Death” filed at federal court in Burlington, comes 13 months after Brooke’s disappearance and death gripped the attention of Vermonters and led to reform of the state’s sex offender laws.

Jacques is accused of plotting Brooke’s death for a month, persuading another girl who he had repeatedly molested to help him lure Brooke to his home and then concocting an elaborate scheme to make it look like Brooke had run away to meet someone.
[...]

Lawyers for Jacques, who has been in federal custody since his arrest last year, said they were disappointed in the decision by prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Jacques is being held pending trial at a federal penitentiary in Ayer, Mass.

“We had hoped to resolve the case without a trial, but today’s announcement makes that impossible,” David Ruhnke, a Montclair, N.J., attorney who specializes in defending clients in death-penalty cases, said in a statement.

Jacques was a successful businessman with a wife and two children at the time of Brooke’s death. According to court documents, Jacques had engaged in a series of assaults on girls and a young woman in the past but managed to persuade his probation officer and a judge that he had been rehabilitated.
[...]http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20090826/NEWS02/90826003

[Abroad]

Sounds like the creep has had enough second chances. Cannot blame them for aiming for the death-penalty this time, since it is available in Vermont, - much as I disagree with the idea of a death-penalty.

[nurseronda]

Murdered Vermont Girl's Ex-Stepfather Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison on child pornography charges.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,549301,00.html?sPage=fnc/us/crime

[Dakota Valkyrie]

A Vermont man charged in the 2008 rape and murder of his 12-year-old niece continued trying to thwart investigators even after he was jailed, at one point soliciting a friend to send an e-mail message threatening to have a girl killed, federal prosecutors say.

In a new court filing, they say Michael Jacques planned a series of communications purporting to come from a child sex ring police have discredited as a fabrication.

Jacques solicited a friend in Arizona to send the e-mails for him, but the friend cooperated with authorities and the plan was thwarted, according to the 91-page document filed Monday in US District Court in Burlington.
[...]

Jacques allegedly used a 14-year-old girl to lure Brooke to his home by getting her to believe she would be a guest at a pool party. The 14-year-old told police she believed Brooke was destined for a child sex club called “Breckenridge’’ that the teen had been in since she was 9.

In the filing, government prosecutors said Jacques continued his online deception after being arrested for the killing.

In July 2008, he planned a series of coordinated e-mail messages to the girl, law enforcement and the media, arranging to have “an adult friend in Arizona’’ send them, according to the government’s motion.

He wrote out e-mail messages, along with instructions about how and when to send them. One was written for the 14-year-old with whom had communicated before Brooke’s death, threatening the girl’s little sister — who was 9 at the time.

It said the younger girl would “die like Brooke’’ if her older sister didn’t lie to police, according to the government’s motion, which said the scheme failed when the friend cooperated with authorities.
[...]
http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2010/05/21/man_plotted_from_jail_federal_prosecutors_say/

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The ex-stepfather of Brooke Bennett, the 12-year-old Braintree girl allegedly kidnapped, raped and killed by her uncle in 2008, has pleaded guilty in federal court in Alabama to possession of child pornography.

Raymond A. Gagnon, 42, of San Antonio, Texas, entered his plea Thursday before federal Judge C. Lynwood Smith Jr. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison last year to a similar child possession charge in San Antonio.
[...]

Gagnon also admitted Thursday that he engaged in sexual contact with an underage girl in Vermont. According to court documents in Vermont, he and Jacques engaged in simultaneous sex acts with the underage girl at a Royalton home in 2007.

Gagnon also admitted Thursday that, after leaving Texas to go to Vermont, he called a friend in San Antonio and instructed him to dispose of a safe that contained a laptop he had used to view Brooke's MySpace account, as well as "vast amounts" of child pornography.

Gagnon, presently serving his sentence on the Texas conviction, could be sentenced to as much as 10 additional years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the Alabama charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 22
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100522/NEWS02/5220309/Ex-stepfather-pleads-guilty-in-child-pornography-case

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Citing public anger and death threats, lawyers for a man charged with killing his 12-year-old niece say in a new court filing that it’s impossible for him to get a fair trial in Vermont.

Defense attorneys say Michael Jacques has been the subject of so much press coverage and such vitriolic online posts that his trial should be moved to Albany, N.Y., to escape juror bias. In a motion filed late Thursday, they said both Jacques and his lawyers have been the subject of calls for death since he was charged in the 2008 slaying of Brooke Bennett of Braintree.
[...]

In the new defense filing, Jacques’ lawyers included 150 exhibits — newspaper articles, online stories, television and radio broadcasts, Facebook pages, Twitter tweets and blog entries — to buttress their claims, many suggesting various modes for killing, maiming or otherwise exacting revenge on Jacques, who has pleaded not guilty.

One suggests the death penalty for defense attorneys, and another says “ought to fry his lawyers.”
[...]
http://www.timesargus.com/article/20100731/NEWS02/707319949/1003/NEWS02

I wonder if anything from D'D made it into their "exhibits".

[Whisper]

Prosecutors: Murder suspect Jacques killed dog to intimidate girl into helping with Brooke Bennett plot
Randolph man facing potential death penalty for allegedly kidnapping, killing 12-year-old niece

http://i41.tinypic.com/2airmmv.jpg
Michael Stephen Jacques in Chelsea District Court in Chelsea, Vt.,


Federal prosecutors say murder suspect Michael Jacques once hung the body of a dog in the cellar of the home of an underage girl to convince her she would be killed if she did not engage in sex acts with him — a fear that eventually led her to help in his 2008 plot to kidnap and kill his 12-year-old niece, Brooke Bennett of Braintree."Jacques killed the family dog and hung it in the basement for (her) to find," prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Burlington wrote in a papers filed recently with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York.
The information about Jacques’ alleged intimidation tactic was one of several previously undisclosed pieces of information contained in a 93-page document that paints the clearest picture yet of the government’s case against the convicted sex offender.
Jacques, 45, of Randolph is facing the federal death penalty if convicted of kidnapping and later drugging, raping and killing Brooke. He is jailed pending trial at a federal detention facility in New York.
A call to Jacques’ defense counsel was not immediately returned Wednesday afternoon.
Government lawyers are seeking a reversal of a lower court ruling by U.S. District Judge William Sessions III banning them from disclosing at Jacques’ trial allegations about prior rapes of other underage girls. Sessions also said prosecutors could not tell the jury details of a post-arrest scheme Jacques allegedly undertook to shift blame for Brooke’s killing to a fabricated ring of sexual predators.
Sessions, in a May 11 order at federal court in Burlington, said details about the prior rapes could not be used because the incidents did were unadjudicated — that is, did not result in a court judgment. The judge also ruled that use of an informant to gather information about Jacques’ alleged post-arrest conduct was improper.
In the new filing, federal prosecutors detailed how Jacques made the underage girl, identified as "J1" in court papers, believe that a phony international sex ring called Breckenridge was real. Authorities say Jacques fabricated the ring to manipulate the girl into sex acts.
He did so by creating two Breckenridge characters — Eric and Charles — and concocting emails from them to her that were alternately affectionate and threatening. The girl was 9 when she began receiving the emails, the motion states.
"Jacques led J1 to believe that Breckenridge required him to act as her ‘sexual trainer,’¤" the court filing stated. "When J1 protested, she received threats. ... The girl was also informed that her mother would be shot immediately if she did not comply."
The killing of the dog and another, unidentified pet were said to be proof Breckenridge’s threats were for real.
Among the other new disclosures in the filing:
Ö On June 29, 2008, four days after Bennett’s disappearance and three days before her body was found, police discovered evidence on Jacques’ laptop computer that he was the creator of the "Eric" and "Charles" characters and had sent the phony emails to J1. Jacques was arrested that day and charged i state court with sexually assaulting J1.
"Officials then interviewed J1 again at length," the filing stated. "Fearful of retribution by Breckenridge, the girl persisted in the false story. When confronted with copies of the e-mails, J1 tearfully insisted that her life, and that of her mother, were in danger."
Evidence gathered by police has indicated Jacques had the girl talk Brooke into coming to his home June 25, 2008, for a pool party on the premise that a boy she was interested in would be there. The girl also was persuaded to help Jacques mislead police in the days after Brooke went missing.
Ö One of the three cases involving claims that Jacques raped an underage girl did reach a criminal resolution in court, in contradiction to what Sessions wrote in his ruling. The case, in 1987, allegedly involved a 13-year-old friend of Jacques’ younger brother.
"He first gave the girl alcohol mixed with soda at his apartment in Barre, Vt., and then forced himself on her," the filing stated. "The girl reported that she was afraid Jacques would hit her if she resisted. When she told her mother, she was advised to forget it. However, the girl disclosed the rape to her elementary school counselor, who contacted police."
Jacques later admitted he "tried having intercourse" with the girl and was charged with sexual assault. He eventually received a three-year deferred sentence for felony lewd and lascivious conduct, according to court documents.

jacques’ attorneys also have appealed parts of Sessions’ ruling, arguing that the potential imposition of a death sentence would be unconstitutional. Their court papers are due in early January.
No hearings have been scheduled
[...]http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20111109/NEWS02/111109034/1007