The Latest: Prosecutor dismisses 2 charges against senator

ST. ALBANS, Vt. – The Latest on a sexual assault trial involving a Vermont senator (all times local):

10:10 a.m.

Prosecutors have dismissed two sexual assault charges against a Vermont state senator based on what they say is new information.

The surprise development Thursday ended the trial of Republican Sen. Norm McAllister, one day after it began.

McAllister, who has pleaded not guilty in the case, still faces a trial this fall on four other sex-offence charges. A court hearing will be held on those.

During this latest trial, a 21-year-old woman testified that he forced her to have oral sex in a barn at his farm and intercourse at his home in Franklin. The 4-foot, 11-inch woman, who weighs less than 100 pounds, spoke of up to 30 incidents in which she said McAllister, a foot taller and 230 pounds, overpowered her.

But McAllister’s attorneys pointed to what they say were numerous inconsistencies in her sworn statements.

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1 a.m.

A woman accusing a suspended Vermont state senator of repeatedly sexually assaulting her is due back on the witness stand in the lawmaker’s sexual assault trial.

On Wednesday the 21-year-old woman testified during Republican Sen. Norm McAllister’s trial that he forced her to have oral sex in a barn at his farm and to have intercourse at his home.

McAllister is on trial on two counts of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty, and is seeking re-election this fall to his Senate seat.

The 4-foot, 11-inch woman, who weighs less than 100 pounds, spoke of up to 30 incidents in which she said McAllister, a foot taller and 230 pounds, overpowered her.

McAllister’s attorneys have focused much on what they claim were numerous inconsistencies in her sworn statements