Police have charged a Jay man with three counts of gross sexual assault they said involved a victim who did not report the attacks for nearly a year out of fear for her life.

Joseph Begin, 37, of Jay, was arrested at his home by Franklin County Sheriff’s Lt. David St. Laurent and State Police Detective Randal Keaton following a joint investigation, Sheriff Scott Nichols said in a statement.

Nichols said the incidents occurred in March 2014, but “the victim did not report the incidents for fear of her life until recently when she came forward.”

Police are investigating the possibility that there could be other victims in the Kennebec County area.

Begin is being held on $25,000 cash bail. Staff from the Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Service Farmington office responded to provide assistance to the victim.

The investigation is continuing, Nichols said.


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