North Bergen Teen Charged With Sexual Assault In Vermont

A New Jersey teenager is being held in Vermont on $275,000 bail on sexual assault charges.

Eighteen-year-old Rafael Jaquez of North Bergen, N.J., pleaded not guilty Thursday in Superior Court to two counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of cocaine possession.

The Rutland Herald says a 23-year-old Springfield woman told police she was assaulted last weekend after being lured to a Springfield apartment and drugged. Officials say she was held against her will by a group of teenagers known as the "Jersey boys" that police say are affiliated with a New Jersey gang.

Jaquez was also charged with cocaine possession after police say they found an energy drink can with a hidden compartment containing drugs.

Two other teens from New Jersey also face heroin trafficking charges.