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State’s affidavit omitted key context, defense argued
by Guy Page
A Caledonia Superior Court judge has dismissed a felony aggravated assault charge against Sgt. George Johnson of the St. Johnsbury Police Department, ruling that the officer acted within his legal authority during a controversial 2024 arrest, according to a news story in the Caledonian-Record, the daily newspaper for the Northeast Kingdom.
Judge Michael Kainen issued the decision Wednesday, stating the court did not find probable cause to believe Sgt. Johnson committed a crime. “Sgt. Johnson gave Mr. [John] Stelzl every opportunity to comply before each use of force,” Kainen wrote, adding the officer’s response escalated only in reaction to Stelzl’s resistance.
The charge stemmed from a May 2024 incident in which Johnson struck Stelzl with the butt of his Taser during an arrest on Bay Street. Vermont State Police had determined Johnson’s actions constituted a criminal offense, leading to his arraignment in September. Johnson pleaded not guilty and was placed on paid leave.
Defense attorney Leonard Milligan argued the officer’s actions were legally justified and that the state’s affidavit omitted key context. After an April 30 hearing, Judge Kainen agreed the original probable cause ruling had not adequately considered the legal protections afforded to officers using reasonable force.
The ruling was welcomed by Johnson and his legal team. “This was a deeply traumatic experience for him,” said Milligan. “It put his career and family in jeopardy.”
Sgt. Johnson, a decorated veteran and use-of-force instructor, described the past year as the most difficult of his life, even more so than his military tours in Iraq. “I cried,” he said, recalling when he learned of the dismissal. “This has been a very dark time.”
Town Manager Chad Whitehead said the town’s internal investigation is complete and has been sent to the Vermont Police Academy for review. Whether Johnson returns to active duty will depend on the academy’s findings and the decision of local officials.
“I’ve always said that George has served this community well,” Whitehead said.
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Categories: Public Safety
I know dude. Good guy. This was BS from jump street, now give him his job back.
I am so glad to read this is finally over. It was my privilege to work with Sgt. Johnson while he was a Security Officer for the SOV in Montpelier. He was a stand up kinda guy, always could be counted on to be there for his shift, and perform it with professionalism. Even though he lived in Lunenburg, I can’t remember him even being late for a shift, unlike some that lived right in the Barre/Montpelier area. St. J. has a “real” public servant in George. Congratulations George !
This went on far too long and it was obvious from the beginning that these were bogus charges! Our Officers need more support within their Departments and from the Community! I am so glad this is over and hopefully Sgt Johnson can get back to work soon!
And just two stories above this one, a person files false criminal charges agains law enforcement and gets off Scott free!
Funny how justice works in Vermont.
Cops are assumed guilty, guilty criminals are set free.
If the cops start dealing drugs, lying about other police officers and stealing stuff will they get promoted and charges? As long as they don’t sing rap music, if they sing rap music we’ll have to end their career.
I totally agree! I hope the Feds Charge her because that was Political Bull she tried to pull!! How do you “ think” someone talked to you! She was stirring the “ ICE” pot and she got caught in a lie! She should have been given time so she doesn’t think it’s ok to do something like that!
I’m so so sick of these Judges up here giving people a slap on the hand!
Now we wait to see what the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council says. Unfortunately the councils views these days are more inline with the agenda of the state democrats and progressives. More political than looking to train officers to protect the public. Changed much since I was on the job.
Sgt. George Johnson is a great man and a dedicated law enforcement officer. He was a student of mine and I am so glad this is finally over for him. Hopefully he can get back to work serving his community which is done so well for years. Many thanks to him.
How are you going to keep good police if you do this to them? I trust he is reinstated with back pay and a bonus. Using force is a necessary part of their jobs. But now it is time to investigate the state police and how they came to their obvious erroneous decision that started all this, something does not make sense.
These entire charges were bogus and rightly dismissed after entirely too long. That being said, Officer Johnson did receive full pay and benefits while he was on “administrative leave.”