NEWPORT — Police are warning residents to be on alert after a scammer recently posed as a Newport police officer in an attempt to solicit donations.

According to Chief Travis Bingham, a local resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Newport officer. The impersonator used the name of a known officer, but the resident, who was personally familiar with the officer, quickly identified the call as fraudulent.

“Our department does not directly solicit donations,” Bingham said. “Scammers use a variety of tactics, including spoofing caller ID to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate source.”

Police say these scams often target vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, and may include requests for large sums of cash or the purchase of gift cards.

“We encourage anyone who is approached for money by someone they don’t know to call us at (802) 334-6733 as soon as possible,” Bingham added.

Juvenile cited for driving 116 mph on I-89
WILLISTON — On August 3 at approximately 2:23 p.m., Vermont State Police observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 89 near the Williston Rest Area at 116 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone.

Farm tractor dispute leads to criminal citations
HIGHGATE — A roadside incident involving a farm tractor on Bouchard Road has led to criminal citations for two individuals.

On May 20 at approximately 7:30 p.m., St. Albans Troopers responded to a motor vehicle complaint and found that Jessika Tremblay, 31, of Highgate, had obstructed traffic. She was cited to appear in Franklin County Court on September 22.

Further investigation revealed that Ryan Laroche, 24, of Franklin, had engaged in “violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior” during the same incident. Laroche was issued a separate citation to appear in court on September 8.

Montpelier man sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material
MONTPELIER — Robert Bivens, 56, was sentenced in Washington County Superior Court on August 4 after pleading guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material.

Judge Michael Harris sentenced Bivens to one to three years in prison, all suspended, with a 10-year probation term that includes restrictions on computer use and contact with children. Bivens must also complete sex offender treatment and register as a sex offender for 10 years following successful probation.

Bradford woman arrested for DUI, assaulting trooper
BRADFORD — On August 4 at approximately 12:18 a.m., Troopers located Jennifer Sleeper, 43, unconscious behind the wheel of her vehicle in the middle of U.S. Route 5.

Police determined Sleeper was impaired and took her into custody. During the arrest, she assaulted a trooper. Sleeper was processed at the Bradford outpost and cited to appear in Orange County Court on August 13.

Stolen vehicle, drugs lead to arrest at Sharon park and ride
SHARON — A welfare check turned into an arrest on August 4 after Troopers found Anthony Riendeau, 27, in possession of a stolen vehicle and narcotics.

Troopers conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as an 18-year-old juvenile from Burlington. The driver was issued a citation for negligent operation and a civil violation for speeding, which carries a penalty of two points and a $751 waiver fine.

Police responded to a report of a man who appeared in medical distress at the Sharon Park and Ride around 9:11 a.m. They discovered Riendeau was driving a vehicle stolen from Mitchell Beland of Hartland and had an outstanding warrant. He was taken into custody and appeared before a Windsor County judge later that day.

Hardwick and Chelsea residents arrested with stolen gun, narcotics
CHELSEA — On routine patrol, Vermont State Police Troopers made contact with a vehicle whose occupants were found in possession of illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.

Heather Quinn, 41, of Hardwick, and Joshua Bean, 41, of Chelsea, were taken into custody and transported to the Royalton Barracks. Both were cited to appear in Windsor County Superior Court at a later date.