KEITH WHITCOMB JR.
Staff Writer
BENNINGTON -- A 17-year-old is facing a felony charge for allegedly kissing and touching his 13-year-old girlfriend.
Cody L. Powers, of Shepard Street, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Bennington Superior Court Criminal Division to lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. He was released on conditions he not have contact with the girl, or her brother, who according to a police affidavit allegedly assaulted Powers upon learning of the relationship.
According to an affidavit by Bennington Police Cpl. James A. Gulley Jr., he and Cpl. Thalia Hudson responded to Shepard Street around 8 p.m. Monday for a report of two males fighting.
Powers told police he was punched by a 16-year-old male (who police did not identify) who was upset that Powers was dating the male’s 13-year-old sister.
The 16-year-old admitted to assaulting Powers and said it was because of his sister. Powers told police he had kissed the girl on the lips over the course of their relationship.
Gulley wrote that while another officer was speaking to the State’s Attorney’s Office over the phone, Powers’ mother began speaking. According to him, she said Powers has problems with younger girlfriends and scolded him for it. Gulley wrote that Powers agreed younger women are a problem.
According to the affidavit, the 13-year-old said she and Powers had kissed, and their interactions involved touching.
Police said Powers has no criminal history, and they were directed by the State’s Attorney’s Office to take Powers into custody.
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