Following a lengthy investigation that began in April 2020, the Vermont State Police on Tuesday, Aug. 24 issued a misdemeanor citation to Stephen Bunnell, 47, of St. Johnsbury on suspicion of prostitution and prohibited conduct. Bunnell is a former captain with the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department.

The Vermont State Police investigation began after the St. Johnsbury Police Department uncovered allegations involving Bunnell during one of the local agency’s cases. St. Johnsbury police referred the matter to the Caledonia County State’s Attorney’s Office, which asked VSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations to take the case.

Through the course of the investigation, VSP detectives learned that Bunnell sought nude photographs and/or sex in exchange for money from several women who were involved with the criminal justice system, state police say.

State police investigators worked closely with Windham County State’s Attorney Tracy Shriver on the case after the Caledonia County State’s Attorney’s Office recused itself. Bunnell is due in court Sept. 27.