By Seamus McGraw
(Continued)
Authorities probe murder solicitation allegation
This afternoon, Rooney, who is already being held on charges of sexually assaulting two underage girls in the 1990s, is expected to be arraigned on charges that among other things, he allegedly tried to enlist the aid of another person to commit a homicide, according to a source familiar with some details of the allegation.
The source did not provide details of the alleged plot and it was not immediately clear whether the allegation is linked to the death of Gardner-Quinn. In addition, Rooney is expected to face additional sexual assault charges, also unrelated to Michelle's slaying.
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| Michelle Gardner-Quinn |
Authorities have not yet disclosed the details of the new charges. But during a court hearing Monday, Assistant Vermont Attorney General Matthew Levine said that the charges are similar to those with which he was charged last week. In that case, authorities allege that Rooney used rags soaked with chemicals to immobilize the girls, who were 16 and 13 at the time, and then sexually assaulted them.
Rooney has pleaded not guilty to those allegations.
His lawyer, David Sleigh of St. Johnsbury, has argued that the allegations, based in some measure on statements made by his ex-wife, are a tactic to hold Rooney until police complete their probe into the death of Gardner-Quinn. In the days since Rooney's arrest, authorities have thrown a veil over their probe, releasing few details. They also have sought a court order blocking the public release of key documents in the case, including search warrants and affidavits supporting them.
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Police Seek Witnesses in Hunt for Michelle Gardner-Quinn
Mystery Man Seen Walking With Michelle Gardner-Quinn
Search for Michelle Gardner-Quinn Stretches from Virginia to Vermont
Michelle Gardner-Quinn, Vermont Co-Ed Disappeared
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