Michael Jacques
Michael Jacques was arrested during an investigation into the disappearance of his 12-year-old niece, Brooke Bennett. Bennett's body was found buried less than a mile from Jacques' home. Jacques was charged with kidnapping on July 3, 2008.
On Wednesday, October 1, 2008, Jacques was indicted on charges that included five counts of child pornography and kidnapping that resulted in death. The indictment stated that Bennett was smothered with a plastic bag. It is also alleged that Bennett was lead to believe that she was being "designated for termination" by a nonexistent child-sex club "Breckenridge," a group Jacques "made up" to threaten her and another 14-year-old unidentified girl.1
Fast Facts
- Resident of Randolph, Vermont
- 42 years old at time of arrest
- Previously arrested for sexual assault and kidnapping in 19932
- Jacques is a registered sex offender in Vermont2
- Jacques was the last person seen with Bennett on June 25, 20083
- Bennett's body found July 2, 2008
- July 3, 2008: Charged with kidnapping in the disappearance of Bennett4
- Jacques could face the death penalty if convicted4
- Vermont's last death sentence was handed down in 19575
Beginning of Investigation
Jacques was arrested on June 29, 2008, and charged with aggravated assault against a minor. The charges were unrelated to Bennett, but were uncovered during the investigation into her missing persons case.2
Sex Ring Allegations
On July 2, 2008, federal officials claim that a teenage girl admitted to helping Jacques drop off Bennett at the convenience store. The teen also admitted that she had been part of a sex ring with Jacques called Breckinridge, since she was nine years old. According to the unnamed teenager, Bennett was going to be initiated into the sex ring. Jacques was charged with kidnapping on July 3, 2008. Depending on the cause of Bennett's death, Jacques may face the death penalty for his involvement.6 Jacques will be held in custody until the trial begins on the kidnapping charges.
History of Violence
Despite a criminal track record that included the abduction and rape of an 18-year-old girl in 1992, the Vermont Department of Corrections released Jacques from probation in 2004 on the recommendation of probation officer Richard Kearney. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas has admitted that the state needs to reevaluate its procedures.7
Related pages on Mahalo
Brooke Bennett | Ray A. Gagnon | Vermont
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