Springfield man charged in child sexual assaults may face trial after 20 years

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – A Springfield man accused of sexually assaulting three young girls could go to trial nearly two decades after the alleged crime, according to a Vermont Supreme Court ruling.

Michael Armstrong was initially charged in February 2004 with four felony counts, including aggravated sexual assault, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. But over multiple years, the case languished in the courts, both because of its complexity and questions over the defendant’s competency to stand trial.

Two years ago, a judge dismissed the case, saying Armstrong’s constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated and calling the delays “extraordinary, even egregious.”

But in a split decision Friday, the Vermont Supreme Court, reversed that decision, saying that while the delay was “significant,” the reason for the delay – the competency of the defendant — outweighed the length of delay.

Justices Nancy Waples and Mary Morrissey dissented.