Putney bank robbery

In Putney, Vermont, the Windham County Sheriff’s Office swiftly responded to a 911 call reporting a robbery at M&T Bank on Main Street. The call came in at 9:01 AM on August 14, and deputies arrived promptly at the scene by 9:05 AM. The investigation into the incident is currently active and involves collaboration with multiple law enforcement partners. While details remain scarce, authorities express gratitude to both law enforcement agencies and the public for their assistance. Anyone with information that could aid in apprehending those responsible is urged to contact Sergeant Mario Checchi at 802-365-4942 x0.

Derby resident arraigned on child luring, abuse material charges

by Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch

DERBY — Jason Benn, 35, of Derby, was arraigned Tuesday on felony charges of luring a child and possession of child sexual abuse material, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office announced today.

Benn allegedly engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a 13-year-old child. The child disclosed these conversations to a third party, who reported it to law enforcement. Additionally, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC) received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a suspect uploading child sexual abuse material to Snapchat. The investigation identified Benn as a suspect.

Benn pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court, Orleans Criminal Division. Judge Justin Jiron ordered conditions of release restricting Benn’s contact with minors and internet access.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children operates a 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 for reporting suspected online exploitation of children. Reports can also be made online at https://report.cybertip.org.

Mountain Dew theft at Hannaford’s, Enosburgh

On the afternoon of July 20, an incident unfolded at the Hannaford’s store on Jay View Drive in Enosburgh, Vermont. Around 3 PM, a woman reportedly exited the store with a shopping cart brimming with Mountain Dew, bypassing the checkout without paying. The Vermont State Police are currently seeking assistance from the public to identify the individual involved in this unusual theft. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Trooper Benjamin Emerson via phone, email, or by submitting an anonymous tip through the Vermont State Police website.

Body of missing man seemingly located at Warren Falls

In a tragic turn of events at Warren Falls, Vermont, search and recovery teams have located a body believed to be that of 35-year-old Tuan Baldino from Paramus, New Jersey. The discovery was made late Wednesday afternoon, August 14, 2024, in the Mad River, following an extensive search operation. The body has been transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington for an autopsy to confirm identity and ascertain the cause of death. Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident do not appear suspicious.

The area around Warren Falls remains closed to the public, as the river is deemed hazardous due to debris and logs removed during the recovery efforts. The Vermont State Police have issued warnings about the continued dangers and advised against swimming or jumping into the river even after it reopens.

The recovery operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including Stowe Mountain Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Warren Fire Department. Initial search efforts began on August 10, when Baldino was reported missing. Despite challenging conditions with high and swift waters, teams persisted in their efforts until the recovery was made.

The Vermont State Police continue to seek any additional information regarding the incident and urge the public to contact the Berlin Barracks.