Search for Missing VT Girl Turns to Uncle's Home

SelectPlusSearch for Missing VT Girl Turns to Uncle's HomeSearch for Missing VT Girl Turns to Uncle's HomeThe Associated PressA probe into the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl zeroed in on her uncle Monday, with police searching his home while he was being arraigned on sex charges in an unrelated case, authorities said. (June 30)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] Appearing in a Vermont courtroom ... The man police are calling a person of interest in the case of his missing 12-year-old niece Brooke Bennett. [Notes:NATS Baker: "On Sunday the investigation discovered that Michael Jacques of Randolph Vermont sexually assaulted a minor who was being interviewed as a result of the Brooke Bennett investigation."]Michael Jacques (Jakes) pleaded not guilty ... The alleged victim **is** a relative ... and told police Jacques assaulted her during a five-year period, beginning when she was nine-years-old and ending a few weeks ago. [Notes:SOT James Baker: "Investigators are looking into the possibility that there may be more victims of sexual abuse by Jacques. State police would like to speak to any child or teenager who my have been in contact with michael Jacques."] Jacques is married to the sister of Bennett's mother. And police say he was one of the last people to see his niece before she vanished Wednesday .... When he dropped her off at a convenience store.But surveillance video shows the two leaving the store walking in opposite directions.Bennett had told her parents she was going to meet a friend. Police believe that was a lie.They say she may have been headed for a meeting with an unknown person she met on the Internet. Meanwhile, authorities searches Jacques' home and an adjoining property Monday. [Notes:SOT Baker "Forensic work is continuing to be done and analyzed. We continue to search for evidence that may explain Brooke's disappearance."]Jacques has 1993 convictions for kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.He's being held on a 250-thousand-dollar bail.Bennett is the subject of Vermont's first-ever Amber Alert ... which was issued Friday. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****)