The Burlington City Council last night unanimously approved a resolution to decriminalize prostitution.
Burlington resolution decrims prostitution
Speeding 94 MPH in Barre City
July 9 at 6:44 pm, State Police stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation on VT RT 62, near the Berlin Town line in Barre City. The vehicle driven by Caleb Deneef, […]
Alleged heroin dealer busted – then jailed by feds
Getting busted for heroin distribution in the federal system doesn’t mean a written citation saying ‘see you in court in two months.’
Illegals stopped after car races across library lawn into US
Seven people tried to enter the U.S. by racing in a car across the Haskell Free Library Lawn. They were apprehended later and returned to Canada.
Woman charged with State House assault referred to court diversion
A Calais woman who police say pepper-sprayed three Vermont Liberty supporters and struck one of them on the State House Lawn May 15 was charged July 2 with three misdemeanors. Today, she was referred for court diversion.
Another suspected heroin dealer ‘cited to appear’ in court
It’s happened again. Following a long, multi-agency investigation, a suspected heroin dealer has been arrested – and then released with a citation to appear in court more than two months hence.
Family in drifting boat rescued after midnight
An adult and four children were rescued after midnight Monday, July 5, by a State Game Warden who found them adrift in a boat without power on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury.
Pedestrian killed on Rte. 7
A pedestrian died while trying to cross Rte. 7 in Rutland Town Sunday night.
VT police now test drunk boaters on water, not waiting ’till onshore
Vermont police will be using new techniques to stop impaired boaters this 4th of July weekend.
Speeder gets $655 ticket
A Manchester woman must pay $655 after driving 99 MPH, Vermont State Police say. At 8 pm Wednesday June 30, police saw a vehicle traveling at 99 MPH in a posted 55 […]
NY cop convicted of VT child rape charged with obstruction of justice
A cop convicted of raping a 12 year old girl in 1988 has been charged with obstruction of justice.
Road rage stopped by I-89 rock ledge
Collision with the rock ledges on I-89 ended a June 25 ‘road rage’ incident involving two men, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Toyota Corolla.
Across Lake Champlain, drug abuse surges after bail ‘reform’ – Vermont next?
H 296, a bill in the Vermont Legislature, would eliminate cash bail for drug offenses. A similar New York law has led to more drug abuse, the Essex County (NY) prosecutor said last week.
Gunshot victim in critical condition
A Marlboro man is in critical condition after being shot Sunday evening.
ER Doc pleads guilty to child porn
A hospital employee discovered a camera hidden in a unisex employee bathroom in the Emergency Department. Investigators with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) recovered the camera and discovered about 1,300 videos on the camera.
Meth user, strangler busted for Burlington bank robbery
A customer conducting business at the bank grabbed McCandless and began pulling McCandless toward the exit of the bank. McCandless was given $10 in cash by a patron, and McCandless left the bank.
Wallet stolen: have you seen this man?
Through further investigation, troopers were able to review surveillance footage at the store and could see a male leave with the wallet.
Sexual assault bust in Hartford
Aiden Boettcher, 21, of Gulfport Mississippi was arrested in Hartford on June 9 for sexual assault. He was released on citation and is ordered to appear in court today.
Truck stuck in Smugglers Notch (again)
Sunday at 2:30 pm, State Police received a call of a tractor trailer unit stuck at Smuggler’s Notch on route 108 in the town of Cambridge. The operator of vehicle, Kyle Shepherd, ignored and passed several clearly posted signs advising that tractor trailer units are not permitted.
Jay Peak EB-5 fraudster pleads guilty
William Kelly, 72, of Weston, Florida, pleaded guilty to two felony charges in connection with his involvement in the Jay Peak Biomedical Research Park EB-5 investment project, also called the AnC Vermont project.
Scam phone calls from ‘police’
State Police May 28 received several reports of phone calls purporting to be from the St. Albans Barracks and asking for personal information.
Sentencing for 2015 Westford shooting
Friday May 28 the Federal sentencing hearing for Veronica Lewis, who shot Darryl Montague in Westford on June 29, 2015, was held in the Federal District Court in Burlington. Lewis participated remotely during the ZOOM broadcast. The state sentencing hearing is taking place at this moment.
Driver dies after car strikes tree
A 48-year-old Jeffersonville woman died after her car struck a tree on Rte. 109 in Cambridge, state police say.
Two die in Sharon I-89 crash
Gail Parent, 60, and Victor Parent, 94 of Northfield died May 25 of injuries sustained in a two-car crash on I-89 in Sharon.
71 citations issued yesterday at NY state line
The purpose of this detail was to promote safe and sober operation between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which is often referred to as the 100 deadliest days of summer, police said.
Police seek more video of State House assault
Montpelier police are asking anyone with cellphone video of the May 15 assault on Vermont Liberty supporters Karen Skau or Shona Reiter to contact them.
Use your parking brake, or else….
The vehicle had a manual transmission and the operator had not set the parking brake. He was unable to reach the brakes in time to stop the car from rolling into the river.
Toddler dies when struck by car
A two-year-old died Sunday evening after being accidentally struck by a car in Enosburg.
Septic truck thief found in church
At about 6:37 pm Friday, May 21, the Vermont State Police received a report of a stolen Silloway Septic Truck from a location on East Randolph Road in Chelsea, Orange County. Police say an investigation located the vehicle in East Randolph and developed probable cause to arrest Kevin Bent, 32, on suspicion of using the vehicle without consent of the owner.
Vermont Liberty supporter beaten, pepper-sprayed after State House rally
A Poultney woman says she was struck in the face with an open hand twice, struck again in the face with a stolen folded political sign, and then pepper sprayed after the Vermont Liberty rally at the Vermont State House Saturday.
Angler drowns after fall into water
Vermont State Troopers received a call at 2:30 pm May 19 that a man had fallen into Otter Creek in Mt. Tabor while fishing. James Woods, 67, of Rutland was pulled from the water by a witness who observed the fall.
‘Bonnie & Clyde’ cited for armed robbery
Andrew Coyle, 29, of Ferrisburgh was cited on suspicion of assault and robbery, and aggravated assault. His fiancée, Marissa Tallman, 26, also of Ferrisburgh, was cited on a count of accessory aiding in the commission of a felony.
Cyberthieves shake down police departments
But when the hackers have struck police departments, cybersecurity experts say, they pose a particularly serious threat to public safety.
NEK armed robberies connected?
Detectives with the Vermont State Police say they are working to determine whether any of the five cases of armed robberies across the Northeast Kingdom since late last year are connected.
Lewd & lascivious at swimming hole
The Vermont State Police is investigating a reported incident of lewd and lascivious conduct that occurred in the vicinity of the Bolton Potholes swimming area off the Bolton Valley Access Road on Sunday afternoon, May 16.
Arrested for illegal game, gun possession
Vermont State Game Wardens executed a search warrant in Middlebury on May 14 for evidence of turkey and deer being illegally possessed, firearms illegally possessed, and evidence of stolen property, police reports say.
Community member wanted for Burlington police chief search committee
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger is seeking applications for a community member to serve on the search committee for a new police chief.
Funny money passed in Derby
Authorities are warning local businesses about counterfeit money being circulated in the Derby area.
China biggest exporter of fentanyl, killer of 130 Vermonters in 2020
China – once the victim of foreign powers exporting opium – is now the biggest exporter of fentanyl, the synthetic opiate that killed about 130 Vermonters in 2020.
Police still seek cause of Williamstown church fire
State police now know where it started, but they still don’t know what started the fire that destroyed a 250-year-old Williamstown church.
Richford man charged with hate crime after truck attack
A Richford man is facing charges including attempted murder with a hate-crime enhancement following an incident that occurred Wednesday morning, May 5, outside a private residence in town.
Police: father murders daughter
State Police say James Perry Jr., age 70, of Newbury, shot and killed his daughter Karina Rheaume, 38, of Newbury Monday afternoon, May 3.
Man falls 150 feet down mine shaft
CORINTH–A man who fell approximately 150 feet down a mine shaft on Saturday night was injured and taken to the hospital after emergency responders performed a technical nighttime rescue.
Would-be kidnappers of 13-year-old girl sought
At about 4:15 p.m. May 1, near the intersection of West Main Street and Canal Street in Vergennes, two unidentified males in a vehicle tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl as she was walking home.
Border Patrol reported forest fire approaching Franklin County
U.S. Border Patrol agents in mid-April reported a large forest fire in Canada rapidly moving towards the town of Franklin, VT.
Heroin, meth dealer busted
The arrest of Poole was the conclusion of a Vermont Drug Task Force investigation that began in July 2020 in cooperation with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and South Burlington Police Department. The investigation revealed that Poole sold methamphetamine and heroin.
Ex-boyfriend torched car
Upon arrival troopers met with the Fairfax Fire Department and observed a vehicle in the driveway that had sustained fire damage from what appeared to be a plastic bottle containing gasoline that had been poured on the windshield and hood before being ignited.
Former Obama advisor, partner of Marlboro College buyers arrested for $218,000 theft
A Vermont man who is a former Obama White House advisor and a partner in the group that purchased Marlboro College this year has been charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a financial institution.
Trailblazer cop Jonas to retire
Her list of superlatives is considerable: Jonas was the first commander of the Office of Fair & Impartial Policing and Community Affairs when it was established in 2016. She was the first woman in the Vermont State Police to lead the Internal Investigations Unit. And she was the first woman in the agency to attain the ranks of captain and major.
Change to child sex abuse bill opens door to legal prostitution
An amendment added this week by the Vermont Senate to H18, a bill clarifying legal language about child sex abuse, would give immunity against prosecution for the crime of prostitution – a potential first step towards the legalization of prostitution in Vermont.
Barre Police “continue to exhaust all investigative avenues” to find Jean-Marie
Yesterday, Vermont Daily published a news story about the Burlington Police Commission urging the Barre Police Department to involve the FBI in the investigation of the year-long disappearance of a black man. The proposed resolution was couched in terms of doing more to provide justice for Vermont’s BIPOC community. Today, Barre Police Chief Tim Bombardier provided the following press release (issued April 13), in which he says “the Barre City Police have continued to exhaust all investigative avenues in our attempts to locate Ralph and to identify the individual(s) responsible for his disappearance.” He is considering a response to the Burlington Police Commission.
Game warden slain by poacher remembered
Game Warden Supervisor Arnold Magoon was killed by a poacher 43 Years ago today. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking Vermonters to take a moment to honor the memory of State Game Warden Arnold Magoon of Brandon and all of Vermont’s fallen officers.
Burlington Police Commission wants Barre to ask FBI help finding missing black man
The Burlington Police Commission tonight will consider a resolution asking the Barre Police Department to seek Federal Bureau of Investigation assistance on finding Ralph Jean-Marie, a black man from Brockton, MA who has been missing since April 13, 2020.
Donovan: Record expungement ‘act of fairness’
by Attorney General TJ Donovan As Vermont and our nation continue to work toward a more fair and equitable criminal justice system, the Vermont Legislature is considering an important bill that can […]
Late snowfall closes Notch, causes accidents
Unseasonably late snowfall has led to a series of accidents – including a rollover of an Agency of Transportation snowplow on I-91 in Barnet.
Speeding 103 MPH with baby on board
On April 20 at about 4:10 pm, Vermont State Police stopped a gray 2020 Honda Accord on Interstate 89 (southbound) in the town of Royalton. The Trooper stopped the Honda for traveling at 103 MPH in a 65 MPH speed zone.
Bank robbed at gunpoint
Police responded to the North Country Federal Credit Union on Main Street at around 3:00 p.m. A man dressed in dark clothing was reported to have robbed the credit union, during which time he displayed a firearm.
Truck drives through store window in Newport
A 58-year-old man from Coventry will face charges after driving his truck through a window at Maplefields in Newport.
Thirsty fugitive Breer surrenders
Fugitive Harley Breer, 51, of Marshfield surrendered Wednesday following a manhunt that began Friday evening, Vermont State Police say.
DUI suspect had heroin
Suspected heroin was found on Kirk’s person at the time of the arrest along with other unknown controlled substances.
Police ‘immunity’ misunderstood, S. Burlington chief says
South Burlington police chief Shawn Burke said his department supports many of the measures in a new federal police reform bill working its way through Congress, though the proposed elimination of “qualified immunity” is misunderstood, he said.
St. Albans cop in court for taser assault
The Attorney General’s Office yesterday announced Mark Schwartz, 32, of Cambridge was arraigned in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on one count of Simple Assault. Mark Schwartz, a former officer with the St. Albans City Police Department, is accused of simple assault arising from an on-duty incident that occurred in 2019 involving use of a taser.
Uncle arrested for helping fugitive, police say
During continued investigation and search efforts for Harley Breer on Tuesday, April 13, members of the Vermont State Police arrested an uncle of Breer’s on suspicion of helping the fugitive evade capture, state police say.
Kidnapper at large
Search efforts for Harley Breer, 51, of Marshfield continued throughout the day Sunday, with members of the Vermont State Police checking numerous locations and conducting interviews. Breer was not located and remains at large. State police will continue the investigation throughout the night.
4-year old struck by ATV on motocross track
On April 11 at 2:41 pm the Vermont State Police (VSP) were notified of an ATV crash involving 2 ATV’s. 911 advised that a 4 year old was involved. VSP arrived on scene after AmCare transported the child.
Baby kidnapped
On April 8 at about 7 pm, state troopers were notified of multiple 911 calls about a male attempting to take a baby away from a female on the side of the road along VT-109 in Belvidere, police say.
Marijuana abuse common thread in mass killings
Steven Bourgoin, found guilty of the largest mass criminal homicide in Vermont – the deaths of five high school students in an October, 2016 car crash – had in his bloodstream high concentrations of THC, the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. His police toxicology report has something in common with the perpetrators of some of the worst mass killings in recent U.S. and world history: he abused marijuana.
State Trooper busted for assault
The Vermont State Police on Wednesday, April 7 cited Trooper Robert Zink, 39, of Arlington on suspicion of simple assault following a six-week investigation into a use-of-force incident that occurred during an arrest Feb. 23, 2021.
Cop busted for tasing suspect
Following an 11-month investigation, the Vermont State Police has cited Mark Schwartz, a former officer with the St. Albans City Police Department, on suspicion of simple assault arising from an on-duty incident in February 2019, state police said yesterday.
Two dead bodies found in car
The Vermont State Police is investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were found inside a vehicle this weekend in the driveway of a private residence in Vershire.
Sugarmaker, 75, dies in ATV accident
On April 5, the State Police responded to the area of Gore Road in the town of Holland for a fatal ATV accident.
Shelburne leaders question police bias study
The study was co-authored by UVM Professor Stephanie Seguino, Data Analyst Pat Autilio and Nancy Brooks, a Visiting Associate Professor at Cornell University. The data collected from 2014 to 2019 showed racial disparities statewide, including Shelburne, where Black drivers are 4.4 times more likely to be stopped by police, the study found.
Miro’s Mea Culpa
Yesterday’s announcement that Burlington racial equity director Tyeastia Green would oversee the policing study comes just two days after Mayor Miro Weinberger said it would be conducted by another city official. The decision to perform the assessment was made last summer, in the midst of civic unrest that began with the killing of George Floyd. Weinberger announced his decision to reinstate Green in a public mea culpa.
Woman dies after throwing self from moving car
Sarah Smiley had been a passenger in the northbound Jeep on Rte. 7 in Danby when she apparently intentionally exited the vehicle.
Calais girl located, safe; man charged
Leilani Olive was located safely by police at about 4:25 p.m. Thursday, March 11 in Montpelier.
Connecticut woman dies in Mt. Holly snowmobile accident
A Connecticut woman died yesterday in a snowmobile crash in the Rutland County town of Mt. Holly.
State trooper cited for domestic assault
Following an investigation that began in December 2020, the Vermont State Police has cited Nicholas Cianci, 25, of Bradford on suspicion of physically assaulting and threatening a woman with whom he was in a relationship.
Caregiver cited for stealing $225K from elderly man
A Brattleboro caregiver stole $225,000 from an elderly man over a three-year period, Brattleboro police say.
Legalized prostitution ‘study’ bill returns
H268, a bill to create a study group “for the purpose of modernizing Vermont’s prostitution laws,” was introduced yesterday into the Vermont House. It alleges state law prohibiting prostitution is steeped in racism.
Scammer “cops” threaten to arrest senior citizens
According to police, the scammer advises that they are a Deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department (Civil Warrant Processing Unit). The scammer subsequently requests monetary funds via Western Union. The victims are advised that Franklin County Deputies will arrest them in person at their residence if the fines are not paid.
Border Patrol plans two video surveillance towers on border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is planning to construct two new video surveillance towers 120 feet high along the U.S.-Canadian border in Derby and North Troy.
Meth on the rise in Vermont
Federal drug officials warn that methamphetamine trafficking and use is on the rise in Vermont.
Alleged shooter of firearms instructor to plead to Attempted Murder #2
Veronica Lewis, 36, of Worcester pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday, Feb. 9 to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The woman who allegedly shot a Westford firearms instructor three times on June 29, 2015 also is scheduled to plead guilty Thursday to attempted murder in Vermont courts, US Attorney Christina Nolan said.
Snowmobile fire destroys Troy covered bridge
TROY — Authorities say a snowmobile was the cause of a fire that destroyed a covered bridge in Troy this morning, according to a report in the Newport Dispatch.
Mayor Miro warns Burlington Council about cop shortage
In June 2020, the City Council voted to reduce the number of police officers in Burlington from 105 to 74, without a plan in place for how the City would respond to the full range of calls with 30 percent fewer officers. Already, as a result of this vote, the Police Department has had to curtail services that include: the Community Affairs Officer who helped coordinate the City’s response to graffiti, the Emergency Response Officer who helped manage the innovative strategies that the Department uses to respond to acute mental health crises, the street crime team that responded to patterns of open-air drug activity and robbery, and foot patrols on Church Street.
South Burlington felon convicted of deer poaching
Robert Verrastro, 47, of South Burlington, has pled guilty to the charge of possession of illegal big game among other crimes in connection with a deer poaching investigation in Starksboro that took place in November of 2019, state Fish & Wildlife officials say.
Antifa infiltrated DC riot, Antifa tells VT newspaper
The leftist organization Antifa did infiltrate the January 6 attack on the Capitol in Washington, D.C. – but only to monitor, not to instigate violence, a Northeast Antifa spokesperson told The Commons weekly newspaper in Brattleboro.
Trooper suspended for DC riot remarks resigns
Late last evening, prior to the anticipated conclusion of the investigation into his conduct related to the Capitol insurrection, Lucas Hall resigned his position, the Vermont Department of Public Service reports.
Commentary: an insurrection by any other name
Vermont meme reproducer Vermeistan 2.0 tells the facts about protesters trying to take over the iconic home of a seat of U.S. government – the White House, last summer.
Cooperating with martial law “would be the governor’s call,” top cop says
Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling and Montpelier Police Chief Brian Peete held a press conference this afternoon to discuss yesterday’s announcement that an armed gathering of protesters is expected at state houses across the country, January 17. Here’s what reporters learned (and what we didn’t).
Trafficking victims lured by drugs, etc., then “treated as commodities”
One of the challenges is to debunk the many myths surrounding sex and labor trafficking. Human trafficking is often confused with smuggling, evoking ideas of an international slave trade that has little to do with Vermont’s small towns and cities. Victims of trafficking in Vermont, however, include our own neighbors.
Montpelier PD, Capitol police warn of possible armed protest Jan. 17 at State House, Inauguration Day “insurrection”
Law Enforcement is aware of calls encouraging people to arm themselves and center at all State Capitols in the United States, to include Montpelier, specifically on the date of January 17, 2021. We are also aware of national trends warning of and encouraging an insurrection on January 20, 2021, the date in which President-elect Joseph R. Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President.
US Attorney Nolan would prosecute Capitol riot planning (if any) committed in Vermont
Speaking hypothetically, if a citizen of Vermont traveled to Washington D.C. for the sole purpose of participating in a peaceful protest (legal conduct), but during that protest spontaneously decided to commit a crime against the United States, or other unlawful acts, that crime would be prosecutable in courts in the District of Columbia, not in Vermont.
Donovan wants criminal investigation into Capitol riot, Trump involvement
Attorney General T.J. Donovan has requested that Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen commence a criminal investigation into the activities of President Donald Trump and rioters in relation to the events occurring at the U.S. Capitol yesterday.
State trooper suspended for posts supporting “criminal insurgency” in Capitol
A Vermont State Trooper has been suspended without pay, pending further possible discipline, for social media posts that “appear to support the criminal insurgency that occurred yesterday at the U.S. Capitol,” Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said today.
Burlington patrol force dwindling, early morning police coverage at risk, chief says
Retirement and attrition could lead Burlington from 81 sworn officers to 59 by this coming September – and that might not even be the worse case scenario. “From that 59 you would have to staff the airport,” and leadership, and detectives, and community affairs, and CUSI (sex crimes unit). The domestic violence prevention officer may be reassigned as a patrol officer. The community affairs already has been reassigned to patrolling (beginning next month). An uptick in graffiti will be a likely consequence, Murad said.
Police seek thief riding 3-wheeled tricycle
Vermont State Police were informed by numerous tips from the public that a suspicious male was seen riding an adult-sized tricycle, with a wire basket behind the seat, from house to house on Vermont Route 30 in the Addison County town of Cornwall.
Suspected Texas child rapist busted in Jericho
Investigation determined that Carter was wanted by the state of Texas on four counts of 1st Degree Aggravated Sexual Assault on a Child, a felony in Texas punishable by a minimum of five years imprisonment. His bail had been set at $80,000 in Texas.
Police investigate possible suicide of Barre man in St. J prison
The Vermont State Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are investigating the death of an inmate at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury. Michael Dupont, 36, of Barre City was found in his cell by Department of Corrections staff at about 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.
Game warden impersonators arrested
Police have charged two Highgate men with impersonating game wardens and assault in connection with a Nov. 20 incident at a Highgate home.
