BY TIMOTHY LAROCHE
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CLAREMONT — A Claremont man who was accused this month of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl faces new charges after allegedly contacting the victim.
Tyler Robbins, 23, pleaded not guilty in Sullivan County Superior Court on Monday to criminal contempt after he allegedly breached the conditions of his bail by contacting the girl he is accused of sexually assaulting.
Bail for the criminal contempt charge was set at $10,000 personal recognizance, with conditions that he have no internet access or contact with minors, including the alleged victim.
“These bail orders mean what they say,” Judge Brian Tucker said. “If it says no contact with [the alleged victim], that’s what it means. I’m going to give you a chance again to comply with the order, but we can’t have too many of these before we start talking about pre-trial detention.
Robbins was arrested on Friday by Claremont police after he allegedly used Facebook Messenger to contact the alleged victim. Robins faces charges related to their alleged sexual relationship.
The messages were allegedly sent while he was released bail on the condition that he have no contact with the alleged victim after pleading not guilty to two counts of felonious sexual assault.
According to court documents, Robbins allegedly became involved in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old since New Year’s Eve. Under RSA 632, the legal age of consent in New Hampshire is 16, and “consent of the victim … shall not be considered a defense.”
Tucker opted to keep the possibility for bail open despite Assistant County Attorney Alex Scott’s arguments that bail should be revoked because the alleged messages were manipulative towards the victim.
“For both the safety of the victim, the defendant and the community, it would be appropriate to revoke the bail,” Scott said.
If Robbins violates the terms of the bail order again, Tucker said, he could potentially face jail time until his trial. Under conditions of Robbins new bail orders, he is also instructed to undergo mental health screening.
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