Mistrial declared in 3rd sex crimes trial of former lawmaker

ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) - A judge has declared a mistrial in the third sex crimes trial of a former Vermont lawmaker.

The mistrial came Friday morning after a juror admitted hearing a news report about the case Tuesday night.

Former state Sen. Norm McAllister was on trial on a misdemeanor count of prohibited acts for allegedly setting up his tenant to have sex with an acquaintance to pay her electric bill.

The case went to the jury Thursday afternoon.

McAllister continues to maintain his innocence.

He was initially convicted of the charge, but he appealed and in November the state Supreme Court granted him a new trial.

McAllister was suspended from the state Senate and later lost a re-election bid in the 2016 primary.

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Information from: WCAX-TV, http://www.wcax.com