by Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Newport on Friday to two felony charges of sexual assault on a girl under age 16 earlier this month.

Malik Daley, 39, of Barton, appeared before Judge Rory Thibault for a late afternoon court arraignment for the two off-duty charges.

Defense lawyer David Sleigh objected to the state’s request that Daley be held without bail and argued that conditions of release were appropriate.

Judge Rory Thibault agreed and imposed a curfew and a no-contact order with the girl.

Orleans County State’s Attorney Farzana Leyva charged Daley with committing sexual acts with the girl on May 11 and on May 17/18 at Barton.

Vermont State Police said detectives arrested Daley at Derby Line on Friday after a short investigation this week and brought him to criminal court for an immediate arraignment.

The girl had been reported as a runaway on Tuesday to Trooper Jacob Shores by her family, but there was no luck finding her overnight, police said.

Detective Sgt. Joshua Mikkola said criminal investigators joined the case on Wednesday, and more leads were developed. Mikkola and Detective Sgt. David Robillard eventually found the teen walking in Barton, but she gave a false name and had changed her appearance, police said. They confirmed her real identity.

Detectives later learned that Daley had befriended the teen and eventually interviewed him, Mikkola said.

Investigators had a second chance to meet with the teen on Thursday, and she provided an extensive statement about the improper contact with Daley, Mikkola said in a court affidavit.

Both charges carry a possible 20-year prison term and a $10,000 fine.

His employment status could not be determined after his court hearing.

Detectives ask that anyone with information that could assist in the case call Vermont State Police in Derby at 802-334-8881.