FARMINGTON — Two lesser charges have been dismissed against a Wilton woman so the state can instead pursue an indictment on a more serious charge of gross sexual assault in connection with a 2015 case involving a child.

Charges against Tami Ouellette, 43, of Wilton, of unlawful sexual contact, Class B, and visual sexual aggression against a child, Class C, were dismissed Friday by Franklin County Assistant District Attorney Claire Andrews, according to court documents.

When a Franklin County grand jury convenes in November, the prosecution will instead pursue a Class A charge of gross sexual assault because of “new information,” the document states. A message left for Andrews seeking comment Monday on the new information was not returned.

Ouellette, along with her husband Jamie Ouellette, 38, of Wilton, and Anna LaRochelle, 26, of Anson, were arrested in February 2015 following a week-long investigation by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. They were accused of sexually molesting a child under the age of 14 since July 2014 and forcing the child to watch the adults have sex, according to an affidavit written by Franklin County Detective Kenneth Charles.

Jamie Ouelette and LaRochelle pleaded guilty to the charges against them earlier this month. Jamie Ouellette pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful sexual contact, Class A, visual sexual aggression against a child, Class C, and illegal possession of a firearm, Class C. LaRochelle pleaded guilty to charges of visual sexual aggression against a child, Class C, and unlawful sexual conduct, Class B.

LaRochelle and Jamie Ouellette entered Alford pleas, meaning that they do not agree with the state’s evidence against them but concede that if the case went to a jury trial, they could be found guilty.

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LaRochelle is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 21 and Jamie Ouellette on Nov. 4.

Tami Ouellette pleaded not guilty to the now dismissed charges against her in May 2015. A call to her attorney, William Maselli, of Portland, was not returned Monday. Ouellette continues to be held on $3,000 cash bail.

Lauren Abbate — 861-9252

labbate@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Lauren_M_Abbate


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