BURLINGTON — A 20-year-old Addison County man who was released while awaiting trial on federal charges of distribution of child pornography and assault on an investigator is back behind bars after violating his conditions of release.
Colin Germain, who was allowed to live with a guardian in Orwell, was ordered jailed by Federal Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy during a brief hearing in U.S. District Court in Burlington on May 19.
It was not clear exactly what conditions Germain violated, but Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn said the defense would not contest he failed to comply.
Germain has pleaded not guilty in federal court to knowingly using his computer on Aug. 2, 2017, to distribute the visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Germain also denied a second charge that he kicked a federal agent while a court-ordered search was conducted at his New Haven home on Nov. 7, 2017.
Germain was initially living at the home of his mother, Maureen Stevens, and step-father, Wade Stevens, on Twitchell Hill Road in New Haven when he was arrested March 9.
Conroy had agreed to release Germain on conditions, including that he live in Orwell with his new guardian and also restricted the defendant to stay in Vermont unless approved by a Pre-Trial Services Officer. Conroy also ordered Germain to participate in mental health counseling.
Germain also was prohibited from possessing any child pornography and to stay away from anybody under the age of 18, except with the presence of an adult who knows his background. He also was told to avoid any areas where children congregate, including schools and daycare facilities, playgrounds, parks, and arcades unless approved by Pre-Trial Services.