AUGUSTA — A Monmouth resident accused of sexually assaulting a child between the ages of 11 and 13 has been indicted on 22 charges.
Natasha Venable, 46, allegedly sexually assaulted the child several times between Sept. 11, 2018, and Aug. 25, 2022, in Monmouth, according to a recent Kennebec County grand jury indictment. For those alleged assaults, Venable is charged with three counts of gross sexual assault, one count of unlawful sexual contact, one count of unlawful sexual touching and three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The gross sexual assault charges are Class A felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. However gross sexual assault charges involving victims younger than 12 can be punished by up to “any term in years” under Maine law.
Venable also was charged with 14 counts of possession of sexually explicit materials.
An affidavit filed by Monmouth Police Sgt. Dana Wessling states Venable is a registered sex offender in Illinois and listed there as a sexual predator.
Wessling wrote that when confronted about the allegations, Venable claimed to not remember committing the acts but said if the accuser said she did, then she did it and was guilty and would take responsibility.
The possession of sexually explicit materials indictments allege Venable, between Oct. 13, 2021, and Aug. 25, 2022, possessed images or material she knew or should have known depicted children under the age of 16 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
An indictment is not a determination of guilt, but it indicates there is enough evidence to proceed with formal charges and a trial.
Also indicted on sex offense-related charges by a Kennebec County grand jury, which met March 23 and 24:
• Joshua D. Chambers, 34, of Waterville, 10 counts of possession of sexually explicit materials, each Feb. 15, 2022, in Waterville.
• Matthew J. Elston, 32, of Punta Gorda, Fla., sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse of a minor and dissemination of sexually explicit material, Aug. 10, 2022, in Gardiner.
• Taylor R. Lewis, 28, of Augusta, sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual abuse of a minor and dissemination of sexually explicit material, Aug. 10, 2022, in Gardiner.
• Dalton G. Shorey, 20 of Manchester, dissemination of sexual explicit material, on or between June 23, 2021, and Sept. 14, 2021, in Manchester; and possession of sexually explicit materials, Sept. 14, 2021, in Manchester.
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