Vermont law enforcement officials this week announced charges in three unrelated cases involving welfare fraud, sexual assault, and impaired driving.

Sheffield woman cited for welfare fraud
On March 25, 2025, Lyndonville Police, with assistance from the Essex and Caledonia County Sheriff’s Departments, executed a search warrant at the Sheffield residence of Toni LaPoint, 55. Evidence gathered led to an investigation into alleged welfare fraud. LaPoint has since been cited for Welfare Fraud and Grand Larceny. She is scheduled for arraignment in Caledonia Superior Court on October 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Shoreham man arraigned on sexual assault charge
Detectives with the Vermont State Police reported that a 2022 sexual assault investigation in Shoreham resulted in charges against Osain Cross, 32. Police say Cross had non-consensual sexual contact with an adult female on September 16, 2022. On September 22, 2025, Cross turned himself in at the New Haven Barracks and was arraigned the same day in Addison County Superior Court, Criminal Division. He was ordered held on $10,000 bail and transported to Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility.

Rutland man charged with DUI after crash
Vermont State Police also cited Liam Ghent, 45, of Rutland, following a crash on September 22, 2025, near the Chittenden Dam. Troopers say Ghent struck a boat trailer, attempted to flee, and became stuck after driving through a reservoir gate. He reportedly displayed signs of impairment and refused field sobriety tests. Ghent was taken into custody, processed for DUI #3 and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and later released with a citation.