Promise to protest on 11th of every month until trial begins
by VDC staff
Family members of a woman who says she was sexually assaulted as a child gathered outside the Caledonia County Courthouse on Monday, November 10, holding signs meant for the man accused of abusing her two decades ago, according to a news report in today’s Caledonian-Record.
[Editor’s note: This news report was sourced from the story in the Caledonian-Record, the daily newspaper published both in print and online, covering Caledonia County and surrounding towns. For more details, see the story online.]
Several posters read “#You chose the wrong girl,” alongside childhood photos of the alleged victim. Another sign said, “She was only 11.”
Jeremy Bogie, 48, of Ryegate, is charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl around 20 years ago. He pleaded not guilty on Aug. 7 to one felony count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, a charge that carries a potential life sentence.
Bogie was initially held without bail after his arraignment but was released on Aug. 20 after State’s Attorney Claire Burns withdrew her request for continued detention. He posted $5,000 and was freed under several conditions.
Monday’s appearance was unrelated to the criminal case. Bogie was in family court for a hearing on modifying parent-child contact. Roseann Emerson, mother of the alleged victim, said one of Bogie’s ex-wives is seeking full custody of their young child because of the criminal allegations.
Emerson and several supporters stood near the corner of Eastern Avenue and Main Street, about a dozen yards from the courthouse entrance. The group has demonstrated before, including on Aug. 20 when Bogie walked out of the courthouse after posting bail.
That earlier encounter prompted concern from Bogie’s attorney, David Sleigh, who emailed court officials saying his client was forced to walk through a “gauntlet.” He described the group as hostile, waving photos at Bogie and making derisive remarks.
In a letter to the editor, the alleged victim’s grandmother, Patricia Farr, disputed Sleigh’s account, saying no threatening behavior occurred. “Mr. Bogie is not the victim — he is the accused,” she wrote.
Farr was among those demonstrating again on Monday.
Emerson said supporters plan to continue monthly gatherings in public spaces until the case goes to trial. No future hearings have been scheduled. She said events will take place on the 11th of each month to mark her daughter’s age at the time of the alleged assault. The daughter, now 31, lives outside Vermont.