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By Guy Page
A Groton man accused of stabbing another man in Woodsville, N.H., last November could soon be released from jail after a judge significantly reduced his bail amount on Wednesday.
According to the Sept. 3 Caledonian-Record, Brandon Lackie, 37, has been held since his arrest and arraignment in Caledonia Superior Court on Dec. 31. Previous rulings by judges had kept him jailed. But in her first week presiding over criminal court in Caledonia and Essex counties, Judge Heather Gray lowered Lackie’s bail from $20,000 to $2,000.
“While the court believes that there needs to be some monetary (bail requirement), the court’s going to maintain the $20,000, but it’s going to be an appearance bond with 10 percent down,” Gray said during the hearing.
The ruling drew opposition from the victim’s family. Marissa Levesque, the wife of stabbing victim John Faucette, testified that she would feel “very unsafe” if Lackie were released.
Defense attorneys argued that the state’s failure to deliver timely lab results from a cheek swab has deprived Lackie of due process while he remains in custody.
Lackie has a lengthy history with law enforcement. In addition to the November stabbing arrest, he was arrested in October for jumping naked on cars on a Connecticut River bridge, and in September on multiple charges including being a fugitive from justice.
Gray, who was appointed to the Vermont Superior Court in 2021, has an extensive background in criminal law. She previously worked as a prosecutor in Franklin County and as a traffic safety resource prosecutor for the Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs.
If Lackie is able to post bail, he would be released while his criminal case continues.
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Categories: Public Safety
If this guy hurts anyone after his release, this judge should be held accountable. You listening Gray?
Enough of judicial immunity for judges when they make blatantly egregious decisions affecting public safety. With this suspect’s prior record, this ruling sure sounds like it fits that description of being egregious.
I’m a bit confused though…if the stabbing took place in Woodsville NH, why are the charges not filed there and a Grafton County New Hampshire judge making that release decision? The Vermont criminal justice system in general is a joke. It has to be better in NH. Meanwhile, the victim’s wife would be well advised to arm herself.
What?!
Good to have him back on the street so he can continue his social work….with the judge by his side.
Maybe Judge Gray will be his next victim. It would serve her right.
It is abundantly clear these judges support and encourage criminal activity. The only way this stops is to forcibly remove them from service
Can they be sued for public endangerment? Oh, maybe they are above the law.
In case anyone questions how judges are boosted and appointed:
December 20, 2021 – The Office of Governor Phil Scott
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of three Vermont Superior Court Judges: Elizabeth Novotny of Jericho, Heather Gray of Quechee and Justin Jiron of Underhill.
“I have often said there are few responsibilities more important than governors making judicial appointments,” said Governor Scott. “The people who are entrusted with interpreting the law and upholding justice are tasked with an enormous duty. People’s lives and livelihoods are often in their hands, and it is critical that judges have integrity, honesty, compassion, and impartiality. Beth, Heather and Justin are all incredibly experienced and will bring these qualities, and a strong work ethic, to these new roles.”
“Since September of 2017, Gray has been a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor with the Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs. Before that, she served as a deputy state’s attorney in Franklin County for nine years.”
Then they take a victory lap to boast of slapping a child predator on the wrist:
May 22, 2024 – Office of the Vermont Attorney General
“The Attorney General’s Office announced that Richard Irish, 57, of South Royalton, Vermont, was sentenced today in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one count of felony Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
The Court, Judge Heather Gray presiding, sentenced the defendant by agreement to 10 years of probation with conditions that restrict his access to the internet and contact with minors. If Mr. Irish violates the terms of his probation, he may face up to 5 years in jail. Mr. Irish is also required to register as a sex offender until 10 years have elapsed after the completion of his sentence.”
Another POS libtard judge; appointed by a RINO governor POS. They are still trying to destroy the state/country by destroying the judicial system. 😡