Cabot Resident Charged With Lewd and Lascivious Conduct With a Child, Creation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

The Attorney General's Office announced that Matthew Villeneuve, 50, of Cabot, Vermont, was arraigned yesterday on two felony counts of lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, one count of use of a child in a sexual performance, three felony and two misdemeanor counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, and one felony count of aggravated stalking of a victim under sixteen years of age. The charges brought against Mr. Villeneuve are the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of a search warrant, conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).

Mr. Villeneuve pleaded not guilty at the arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Washington Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Michael Kainen presiding, set bail at $25,000 and ordered conditions of release which include a 24-hour curfew and restricting Mr. Villeneuve's access to minors, electronic devices, and the internet.

VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. VT-ICAC also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education and outreach.

Every child deserves a safe childhood. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation's centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. To make a report, call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or visit NCMEC's website.

Additionally, if you are recovering from child sexual exploitation, you do not have to navigate it alone. NCMEC can help with emotional and peer support, removing content from the internet, and locating mental health professionals. For more information, please visit the online resources page or call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Contact: Haley Sommer, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171