Photographer Pleads Not Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Girl

A Vermont photographer has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and possessing child pornography.

The Rutland Herald reports 54-year-old John Penwarden of Orwell appeared in Middlebury criminal court Monday. He also pleaded not guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and marijuana possession.

State police said they were called to a home in Concord, New Hampshire, last fall regarding statements by a 13-year-old girl saying Penwarden had touched her inappropriately. By December, a search warrant was obtained and a search was conducted of Penwarden's home.

Police seized multiple computer hard drives, iPhones, iPads, tablets, CDs and thumb drives. Penwarden denied any sexual contact with the girl.

Penwarden was arrested Friday and released on $50,000 bail. He's scheduled to appear in court June 15.