Some charges dropped in Noho child attack case

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Prosecutors have dropped kidnapping and attempted murder charges against two homeless people accused tying a 9-year-old girl to a tree behind the Cutchins Center for Children and Families in Northampton in July.

Northwestern District Attorney Spokeswoman Mary Carey told 22News Lance Gouvan and Megan Bonny will be prosecuted on charges of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, a rope, and two counts of assault and battery.

The change in charges triggered a review of Gouvan’s bail status.  He has been held without bail since his arrest on July 20, 2012.

Prosecutors and the defense agreed to release Gouvan to house arrest with GPS monitoring, with the further conditions that he have no contact with any person under 16, stay away from both the victim and the Cutchins Center, and report in person weekly to the Probation Department.