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Police at the 4:00 PM Press Conference that was held today:

STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE

PRESS CONFERENCE
UPDATE ON MISSING BROOKE BENNETT

Date of Press Conference: July 1, 2008 at 4:00 PM

Statement of Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police:

Good Afternoon.  Thank you all for coming.  I’m Colonel James Baker, Director of the Vermont State Police.  

The media and the public’s patience and understanding throughout this investigation continue to be valued, and as this investigation rapidly unfolds, your patience and understanding will be even more vital. 

This case is making progress.  We continue to have over fifty investigators working the investigation.  The focus of today’s investigation continued with the search of the Jacques’ property.  The New England K-9 team assisted in this search.  We continue to gather evidence in the investigation.  

As you know, Michael Jacques of Randolph, Vermont was arrested on Sunday for sexually assaulting a minor.  As a bi-product of this investigation, the Vermont State Police have arrested Ray Gagnon of San Antonio, Texas for Aggravated Sexual Assault, which is in connection with Jacques’ arrest.  Gagnon was placed in Federal Custody prior to his arrangement.  Special Agent in Charge, John Pikus will comment on this further at the conclusion of my statement.       

Michael Jacques continues to be a person of interest in the disappearance of Brooke Bennett. 

My purpose for calling this press conference today is two-fold.  First, to continue to keep the media and the public informed as to the progress of this investigation.  Second, to re-emphasize to the public that the State Police, the FBI  and other law enforcement agencies are continuing to aggressively investigate the nature of Brooke’s disappearance.  It is important that the citizens of this State feel safe, and I ask again, for you to have faith in us.   

I want to acknowledge and thank Attorney General William Sorrell, Assistant Attorney General Cindy Maguire and the staff at the Attorney General’s Office.  The Attorney General’s Office has been very active in this investigation and continues to provide guidance and support.  I failed to acknowledge that at yesterday’s press conference.

Tomorrow night at 8:00 PM, the community is holding a candle light vigil for Brooke at the Gazebo on Main Street in Randolph.  This is a noble way for the community to come together to pray for the safe return of Brooke.  Members of the Vermont State Police will attend the vigil.  I asked the media and the public to respect the purpose of this event, which is to pray for Brooke and to show support to her family, not to question the State Police about the investigation. 

I will now turn it over to Special Agent in Charge, John Pikus and then we can open it up for questions.