| July 3, 2008 Bennett uncle held on bail, federal arrest warrant
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(NECN: Randolph, Vermont) - Police unearthed the body of Brooke Bennett yesterday from a makeshift grave about a mile from her uncle's home, ending a weeklong search for the 12-year-old.
State police say Michael Jacques, the girl's uncle and a convicted sex offender, will face federal kidnapping charges in the case.
Jacques is being held on $250,000 bail at the state level in Springfield, but even if he were to make bail at this point, there is a federal arrest warrant that's been lodged as a detainer, so even if he were to make bail at this point, he would be immediately arrested on the federal warrant and brought to federal court -- according to federal officials.
Jacques was already in custody on charges of aggravated sexual assault involving a different underage girl. Jacques, who is married to the sister of Brooke's mother, has 1993 convictions for kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.
Bennett, who had just finished seventh grade at Randolph Union High School, disappeared on June 25 after being seen at a convenience store with Jacques.
Bennett's former stepfather, Michael Gagnon, is also charged in the case, accused of obstructing justice. He will appear in federal court on Monday for a detention and bail hearing. Gagnon, 40, who lives in Texas, was on a regular visit to Vermont when he was arrested.
Part 1 of the news conference
target="_blank">Part 2 of the news conference
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