Mass. Trooper Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend Blames Twin Brother
GARDNER (CBS) -- The Massachusetts State Police trooper charged with assaulting his girlfriend has a new defense: His twin brother did it.
Trooper Corey Benoit spent three nights in jail after the Sunday morning fight during a birthday party at his Royalston home.
But The Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports that a defense lawyer presented an affidavit from the victim Wednesday saying it was Benoit's twin brother, Chris, who pushed her into a table, breaking her collarbone.
Benoit was then released from custody by a judge.
The girlfriend's mother had said in a police report that Benoit "went crazy" and started breaking things inside the home.
Now, the trooper's lawyer and girlfriend say that Trooper Benoit only "hip-checked" her, and it was his twin who caused the collarbone injury when he pushed her, The Telegram reported.
Benoit, a 10-year veteran, is a member of the Division of Field Services and is stationed in Troop C, which oversees central Massachusetts.
State Police took the trooper's service weapons and ammunition, cruiser, State Police identification, and other job-related equipment.
Several privately-owned weapons and ammunition were also removed from his home by police.
His license to carry a firearm will be suspended indefinitely.
Benoit is scheduled to appear in court again on August 18.