Missing girl probe leads to charges against Texas man

(CNN) - The investigation into a Vermont girl's disappearance has now led to charges against a Texas man accused of sexually assaulting another child, authorities announced Tuesday.

The arrest of Ray Gagnon is "a byproduct" of the search for 12-year-old Brooke Bennett, said Col. James Baker, director of the Vermont State Police. Baker would not provide details of the charges, but state police said the charges stem from an assault on another child in summer 2007.

In addition, federal agents are preparing to charge Gagnon, 40, of San Antonio, with obstruction of justice over the destruction of evidence "related to this investigation," FBI Special Agent John Pikus said. The arrest Tuesday in Vermont follows Sunday's charges against the missing girl's uncle, 42-year-old Michael Jacques (prono: JACKS), the director said. Investigators have accused Jacques, 42, with child sexual assault - but the charge does not involve his niece, whose whereabouts remain unknown.