Attorneys for a Vermont state senator facing his second sex crimes trial are seeking the welfare records of the alleged victim.
Senator Norm McAllister's attorneys argued Monday that the files from the state Department of Children and Families and other records will speak to the woman's character.
They subpoenaed the agency in July.
The St. Albans Messenger reports that DCF legal representatives argue that publicizing the woman's welfare status would stigmatize her.
The woman alleges McAllister sexually assaulted her while she lived on his property. McAllister was charged last year with assaulting her and another woman. The accusations were split into two separate trials. Prosecutors dismissed two sexual assault counts during McAllister's first trial in June.
McAllister has maintained his innocence. He lost his re-election bid in August.
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