A Relief... and yet Not Entirely....

Hampton man charged in assault THOMPSON -- A Hampton man was arrested on a charge of first-degree sexual assault Friday as a result of an incident involving a mentally-handicapped man who had been placed in his custody. Michael C. Gardner, 21, of 83 East Old Route 6, was arrested on a warrant issued by the Danielson Superior Court, culminating a 17-month investigation, Thompson Resident Trooper John Aiello said. The victim in the case, who was 23 at the time, had been placed in Gardner's care by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, police said. Police said the victim told them the alleged crimes occurred in Thompson and Putnam. Gardner was presented in Danielson Superior Court Friday, where his case was continued.