Vermont

Woman Testifies in Courthouse Sexual Assault

A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted in a courthouse restroom in Vermont's largest city says she was scared and couldn't move.

The Burlington Free Press reports 41-year-old Jessica Goulet testified Tuesday in the trial of 34-year-old Robert Rosario. Rosario has pleaded not guilty to a charge of sexual assault without consent in the restroom of the Edward J. Costello Courthouse in Burlington in 2015.

Goulet says Rosario had approached her several times before he shoved her into a stall, pinned her down and assaulted her.

Rosario's lawyer says Goulet initiated the encounter and was trying to trade sex for drugs.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are sexual assault victims unless they grant permission, which Goulet has done.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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