Ex-lawmaker reconsiders plea deal in sexual-favours case

ST. ALBANS, Vt. — A former Vermont lawmaker who reached a plea deal with prosecutors before going to trial on charges he tried to extract sexual favours in exchange for rent says he’s reconsidering it.

Norman McAllister told WPTZ-TV (http://bit.ly/2j8U75l ) on Wednesday he’s reconsidering the no contest pleas he entered Tuesday. His trial had been set to begin Wednesday.

The 65-year-old Republican pleaded no contest to charges of prohibited acts and lewd and lascivious conduct and faces up to seven years in prison. In return, prosecutors dropped a sexual-assault charge that could have carried a life sentence upon conviction.

Franklin County State’s Attorney James Hughes says McAllister has until sentencing to change his mind.

A sentencing date hasn’t been set.

closing arguments

Crown refutes self-defence claims for Nanaimo woman on trial for murder/dismembering ex-boyfriend

7h ago

rental rules

Thousands of short-term rentals go back to long-term May 1: B.C. government

10h ago

sweet sounds

Nanaimo woman tries to coax trapped killer calf out of tidal lagoon with her violin

15h ago

McAllister says he’s considering hiring new lawyers.

___

Information from: WPTZ-TV, http://www.thechamplainchannel.com

The Associated Press