On July 23, 2016 at 3:11 am, the Burlington Police Department responded to Monroe Street for a reported sexual assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers located 5 people on scene (3 witnesses, the victim and the suspect identified as Garang Ayang). The assault reportedly occurred in a driveway off the south side of Monroe Street.
The 3 witnesses told police they observed the sexual assault in progress and interrupted the male suspect, who remained on scene until police arrived. The female victim was noted to be in a semi-conscious state when officers arrived but indicated the incident was non-consensual. It was later learned that the victim and suspect were introduced through mutual acquaintances during the evening hours of July 22, 2016.
Detectives from the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations responded to assist with the investigation and subsequently lodged Ayang for the charge of sexual assault on lack of $50,000 bail.
Ayang was arraigned on July 25th and ordered held without bail until an evidence review hearing on August 5th at 10:30 am.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Holden at (802) 652-6859.
Sergeant Nadeau can be reached at (802) 859-3084 to answer any questions for the press. The affidavit of probable cause is attached.
ยง 3252. Sexual assault
(a) No person shall engage in a sexual act with another person and compel the other person to participate in a sexual act:
(1) without the consent of the other person; or
(2) by threatening or coercing the other person; or
(3) by placing the other person in fear that any person will suffer imminent bodily injury.
(b) No person shall engage in a sexual act with another person and impair substantially the ability of the other person to appraise or control conduct by administering or employing drugs or intoxicants without the knowledge or against the will of the other person.
(f)(1) A person who violates subsection (a), (b), (d), or (e) of this section shall be imprisoned not less than three years and for a maximum term of life, and, in addition, may be fined not more than $25,000.00.
