http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20120910/NEWS02/709109913
Published September 10, 2012 in the Rutland Herald
Chester man denies abusing seven children
By Christian Avard
Staff Writer
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Chester man was arrested twice in the same week for allegedly abusing seven minors he knew.
Anthony Chase, 33, pleaded innocent to seven counts of lewd and lascivious behavior at criminal court in White River Junction.
Chase was arraigned on six counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on Monday and was later released on $5,000 bail. Chase was arrested and charged with a seventh count of lewd and lascivious behavior at criminal court Thursday and was released again on $5,000 bail. Judge Harold Eaton denied the state’s request that Chase be held on $50,000 bail at both arraignments.
Windsor County Deputy State’s Attorney David Cahill declined to comment on the bail amounts set by Eaton. Eaton is the presiding superior court judge for Orange and Windsor counties and is temporarily filling in for Judge Patricia Zimmerman who retired last month.
Springfield police said the victims were girls ages 3 to 10 years old and all of them knew Chase, according to the affidavit.
Springfield police investigated the minors’ allegations from July to September. Chase told police in July there was “no possible way” he “touched” three of the girls because he had “problems” in the past, the affidavit said.
Police spoke with Chase a second time in August and he said he was not touching any other children. He told police he was a victim of sexual abuse and received counseling so that he did not end up “being that person,” referring to one of his relatives, according to the affidavit.
The alleged acts of sexual abuse occurred between 2008 and 2012, according to court records. If convicted, Chase faces up to 15 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, or both, on each of the seven charges.
A status conference was set for Oct. 9.
"Judge Harold Eaton denied the state's request that Chase be held on $50,000 bail at both arraignments".
ReplyDeleteSo he set bail at $5,000 for each arraignment and now Mr. Chase is out. Hmmm, I wonder if Judge Eaton would allow Mr. Chase to babysit or inter act with his daughters or granddaughters?
Thought the purpose of bail was to deter person from fleeing the jurisdiction, not punishment. Oh, that pesky rule about "innocent until proven guilty", is so inconvenient.
DeleteThis alleged offender has a history of "problems" with young girls which he himself proclaimed in the Rutland Herald article. As far as "innocent until proven guilty" the recidivism rate for sex offenders is very high. Check the facts. You may trust him, I don't.
ReplyDeleteIts not a matter of trust, its a matter of civil liberties.
DeleteWas he released without conditions being imposed? Bail can only be imposed for risk of flight, which he apparently does not present.
ReplyDeleteHe should ask Lee Johndrow how to get off with just probation--for something he obviously did not commit.
ReplyDeleteWhat does this story have to do with the person named in the 5:24 comment? Some people just need to drag others in to these discussions. Sounds like a person problem/issue to me.
ReplyDelete