Vernon Man Facing Several Sexual Assault Charges

VERNON, CT — A 21-year-old Vernon man is facing three sexual assault charges and seven charges in all for incidents with a 15-year-old girl, an arrest warrant indicates.

Andy Pho was arrested on Monday on single counts of sexual assault in the first, third and fourth degrees, two counts of illegal sexual contact with someone younger than 16, second-degree unlawful restraint, and second-degree harassment, according to a report.

Court records indicate he appeared before a judge on Tuesday, posted a $20,000 surety bond and his case was continued until Oct. 19.

Vernon police began investigating the case on Sept. 4, when a school system counselor contacted a school resource officer, a warrant shows. The girl allegedly had a relationship with Pho, who was picking her up and dropping her off at school. His car was seen on school surveillance cameras, according to a warrant.

According to a warrant, the girl was hesitant to break off the relationship because of Pho's threats to harm himself and the fear that he might take back a dog he recently gave her.

Pho is accused of inappropriately using his hands on the girl on two occasions over the summer — in a car and at his West Street home — despite her repeatedly saying "no to his advances." In one incident, he would not let her leave a room, according to a warrant.

He is also accused of sending the girl unwanted text messages during the investigation, according to a warrant.

Pho is referenced in a warrant telling the girl, "I couldn't control myself."

Photo Credit: Vernon Police

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