BURLINGTON, Vt. — A hearing on the case of a Vermont man charged with abducting, sexually assaulting and killing his 12-year-old niece in 2008 has been scheduled for May 31.
Michael Jacques (Jakes) of Randolph awaits trial. He's been in federal custody since Brooke Bennett went missing. Her body was found in the woods about a mile from his house. He's pleaded not guilty.
Jacques has been charged under federal law and could face the death penalty if convicted. Vermont doesn't have a death penalty.
The Burlington Free Press reports (http://bfpne.ws/IXBJkH) the hearing will be at a federal appeals court in New York City.
Prosecutors want the court to overturn a judge's ruling last year that bars from trial past allegations of sexual misconduct with minors; the judge said Jacques was never convicted.
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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, burlingtonfreepress.com">http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com