Roxbury man facing sex assault charges
Toolbox
By Thatcher Moats Times Argus Staff - Published: February 12, 2009
BARRE – A Roxbury man was charged last week with sexually assaulting a juvenile girl more than two years ago in his role as her "spiritual advisor."
Jeffrey Triplat, 41, pleaded innocent in Vermont District Court in Barre to one charge of sexual assault and two counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. The three crimes carry a combined penalty of up to 50 years in prison and a minimum of four years in prison.
The incidents allegedly occurred in November 2006 at Triplat's house when the girl was 14 years old.
State police trooper Aimee Nolan began investigating the case in January 2008 when she received a report from the Department for Children and Families. The girl's therapist notified DCF, according to the affidavit written by Nolan.
Nolan interviewed the victim, the victim's mother and Triplat during her investigation.
The victim spent two or three nights at Triplat's house in November 2006, and she and Triplat shared a bed, according to court records. Triplat's wife was not home during this time, court papers state.
Triplat is not accused of having intercourse with the victim, but is accused of extensively fondling her and having her fondle him.
The victim told investigators that she believes Triplat took advantage of her by using his position as a mentor and spiritual advisor to influence her. She said she trusted him and followed his lead.
She said Triplat told her that if people found out it could present a legal problem.
Triplat denied wrongdoing during two interviews with police. He admitted to spending one night with her, but said that "everything he did with (the girl) came from a place of education, not sexuality," the affidavit states.
Triplat told police that he "held space" for the girl as part of her healing process, the affidavit states. He described holding space as being there for the person and physically holding them.
When he was holding space for the girl, Triplat said, she reached around and touched his "sexual area." He said he moved away and "explained to her that she was experiencing her sexuality and attempted to help her understand that sexuality is a powerful force within her," court records state.
In the second interview, "Triplat admitted he told (the girl) not to tell people about their interactions," Nolan wrote, "because society would not understand, because people in general are not enlightened enough to understand alternative teachings."
Triplat was released on conditions, including a condition that he not have any contact with or harass the alleged victim.
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