Brooke Bennett
Michael JacquesMontpelier, Vermont - July 24, 2008
Efforts to pass a Jessica's Law in Vermont are quickly gaining support across the state.
Jessica's Law carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison for anyone convicted of sexually assaulting a child.
Thousands have become interested in the law since 12-year-old Brooke Bennett of Braintree was kidnapped and murdered. Her uncle, Michael Jacques, 42, has been charged in her kidnapping. He was released from probation 7 years early for kidnapping and raping a Rutland teen in 1992.
One petition circulated in Middlesex was signed by 2,000 supporters. A separate petition drive launched by Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, R-Vermont, is garnering widespread support as well.
Some prosecutors don't like Jessica's Law because they say it ties their hands and makes plea bargains less likely.
Leaders in the effort to pass a Jessica's Law have set a rally for Saturday in St. Albans from noon to 2 p.m. in Taylor Park.
Click here for complete coverage of the Brooke Bennett case.
