Man rejects plea bargain in attempted-rape case

A Vowinckel man facing charges, including attempted rape and strangulation related to an incident that Marienville state police said occurred in Farmington Township, rejected a plea bargain in Clarion County Court on Wednesday.

The case of Brian Patrick Desjardin, 42, now goes to a jury trial.

He is charged with criminal attempt, rape forcible compulsion, a first-degree felony; strangulation, applying pressure to the throat or neck, a second-degree felony; criminal attempt, aggravated indecent assault without consent, a second-degree felony; simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor; indecent assault without consent, a second-degree misdemeanor; and harassment, subject another to physical contact, a summary offense.

The charges, police said, stem from an incident that occurred at a Fulmer Drive residence in May.

According to a criminal complaint, police responded to a report of a domestic incident in progress at the residence at 7:42 a.m. Thursday, May 28.

The victim reported Desjardin began calling her names earlier in the morning and then attempted to have sexual intercourse with her without her consent, the complaint said.

The victim reported Desjardin attempted to attack her, and she fled up the stairs to get away from him and tried to call a family member, the complaint said.

The victim said Desjardin forcefully threw her on a mattress and attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with her, according to the complaint.

Desjardin then placed his right hand around her neck with his thumb and applied pressure to her throat, making it hard for her to breathe, according to the complaint.

The victim said Desjardin then placed a pillow over her face and performed a sex act on himself while on top of her, according to the complaint.

The victim did not consent to any of the sexual acts by Desjardin, the complaint said.

Public defender Jacob Roberts suggested Desjardin’s bail be reduced from $100,000. Judge Sara Seidle-Patton said she would prefer the motion in writing and took no action.