A Hartford man was arrested Friday morning after Vermont State Police say he assaulted a family member while the two were traveling in a moving vehicle on VT Route 113.

Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were dispatched at 7:57 a.m. on Nov. 28 for a report of a domestic assault occurring inside a vehicle. According to police, 39-year-old Jody Sears placed the driver—identified only as a family member—in a neck restraint, causing pain and putting everyone in the vehicle at risk.

Sears was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Bradford State Police Outpost for processing. Police said he was lodged at the Northeast Regional Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury on a probation violation and issued a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court on Dec. 1 at 12:30 p.m. to answer to charges of domestic assault and reckless endangerment.

Fairlee Police, the Vershire Fire Department, and Upper Valley Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Arrested on warrants in Victory

Vermont State Police arrested two St. Johnsbury residents on November 24 following a reported family fight that escalated into criminal charges, including threatening behavior, identity fraud, and violations of release and parole conditions.

Troopers from the St. Johnsbury Barracks were dispatched to a residence in Victory at 3:24 p.m. after receiving a report that Shawn Rich, 47, was threatening 27-year-old Tarren Eldred of Victory. Police also learned that Melinda Mitchell, 34, was at the residence and was wanted on an in-state warrant for violating parole.

When troopers arrived, Mitchell allegedly attempted to conceal her identity by presenting someone else’s Vermont driver’s license. According to police, further investigation confirmed that Rich had threatened Eldred, a detail supported by a witness at the scene. Troopers also determined that Rich was in violation of court-ordered conditions of release.

Both Rich and Mitchell were taken into custody and transported to the St. Johnsbury Barracks for processing.

Rich was cited to appear in Essex County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on November 25 at 12:30 p.m. He was lodged at the Northeastern Correctional Complex for lack of $1,000 bail.

Mitchell was also cited to appear in Essex County Superior Court at the same date and time. She was held without bail due to the parole violation.

The Vermont State Police note that court dates and times are subject to change and recommend contacting the court clerk for confirmation.

Woman cited after computers stolen from town library

A Bethel woman has been cited for possession of stolen property following an investigation into the theft of two desktop computers from the Bethel Town Library, Vermont State Police said.

Troopers from the Royalton Barracks began investigating the theft on Oct. 6 after library staff reported the computers missing. Police said one computer has since been recovered.

The investigation identified Ashley Osmer, 37, of Bethel, as a suspect. A search warrant was executed at her residence on Nov. 24, where troopers located Osmer and issued her a citation.

She is scheduled to appear in Windsor County Superior Court on Jan. 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. to face the charge.

Barton man accused of cutting trees on Eden property

A Barton man has been cited after Vermont State Police say he unlawfully entered an Eden property and cut or damaged several trees without permission.

Troopers from the Williston Barracks opened an investigation on Oct. 25 after owners Sarah and Michael Schifilliti reported timber missing or damaged on their Maple Lane property. Police said they determined Jesse Bacon, 40, of Barton, had trespassed on the land and harvested trees in violation of state laws related to unlawful mischief and timber trespass.

An Acceptable Management Practices Forester with the State of Vermont assisted troopers in assessing the damage.

Bacon was located at his home on Nov. 26 and issued a citation to appear in Lamoille County Superior Court on Jan. 7, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.

Rupert man charged with cruelty to a child

A Rupert man has been charged with cruelty to a child after a Vermont State Police investigation into an incident involving a 9-year-old from Winhall.

According to police, troopers began investigating the early October complaint and determined that John K. Richardson, 40, caused injury to the juvenile at a residence on East Street in Rupert on Oct. 5.

Richardson was arrested on Nov. 25 and released with a citation ordering him to appear in Bennington Superior Court’s Criminal Division the following day, Nov. 26, at 12:30 p.m.

Tractor-trailer damages propane tank

November 29, state police learned a tractor-trailer unit had attempted to maneuver a U-turn on the front lawn of a property in Shaftsbury, resulting in damage to a propane tank located underground. The propane tank began leaking because of the damage.

Troopers and all first responders secured the area and worked to contain the leak. No injuries were reported.