FARMINGTON — A convicted rapist who was free on bail while awaiting sentencing was sent to jail for having contact with his victim through an Internet chat room.
Michael Chapman disclosed the contact to his probation officer, but was punished by a judge because he did not cut off contact when he realized his chat partner was his victim.
Chapman, 34, of East Wilton, was sent to jail Monday for violating his bail conditions.
Chapman had been free on $1,000 bail while awaiting a presentence report after his May 12 conviction of gross sexual assault. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
Using chat room identities, Chapman and the victim discussed the trial and bantered back and forth about whether the victim should recant her sworn testimony at trial and whether they should meet in person, according to Assistant District Attorney Andrew Robinson.
Chapman’s lawyer, Kevin Joyce of Farmington, said the victim initiated the contact and said he may seek a new trial based on information divulged in the online conversation.
Robinson said the state confirmed the victim’s chat room identity in order to bring the new charge against Chapman.
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