NORTHAMPTON — A Massachusetts State Police trooper accused of sexually assaulting a woman he met via a dating website is expected to stand trial later this month.
Christopher Kennedy, 32, is accused of sexually assaulting a Worthington woman at her home after the two reportedly agreed to return there for coffee after a date July 1, 2014, prosecutors allege. Once inside, Kennedy allegedly exposed himself, shoved the woman into a counter and sexually assaulted her.
Kennedy, of West Springfield, has pleaded not guilty in Hampshire Superior Court to charges of indecent exposure, assault and battery, and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years.
Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Jennifer Suhl and defense attorney David P. Hoose, of Northampton, agreed in Hampshire Superior Court on Wednesday to a trial beginning May 24 or 25, with the final date to be determined early next week.
Both attorneys told Judge Daniel Ford in court they anticipated the trial would take two or three days following jury selection. Kennedy faces up to five years in state prison if he is convicted on the indecent assault and battery charge.
Leading up to his suspension without pay Oct. 16, 2014, Kennedy had been assigned to Troop B, which has its headquarters in Northampton, according to State Police.
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com.