By Guy Page

Police across Vermont are investigating a major fraud that cost a Windsor woman thousands of dollars in gold, while separate incidents in St. Johnsbury resulted in arrests for sexual assault and criminal threatening. Meanwhile, Montpelier has named an interim police chief following the departure of its top two law enforcement leaders.

Windsor police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect involved in an elaborate scam targeting an elderly resident. Investigators said the victim was contacted by people posing as computer IT specialists who claimed they were helping remove a virus and protect her financial accounts. Over several days, the scammers allegedly used fake government letterhead, emails and threats to convince the woman to withdraw a large sum of money, purchase gold and turn it over to a purported government “agent” for safekeeping.

The exchange occurred shortly after 4 PM on June 26 on Bavier Avenue in Windsor. The suspect is described as an Asian man about 5 feet tall or shorter, wearing mostly black clothing, a black baseball cap and carrying an umbrella because it was raining. He was believed to be driving a small black crossover SUV or hatchback parked near the intersection of Bavier and Enright avenues. Anyone who saw the suspect or vehicle in the area, or who has surveillance video, is asked to contact Detective Brian Berry at the Windsor Police Department at (802) 674-9042.

A Windsor resident commenting on the Windsor Police Dept. Facebook post said something similar happened to her just last week: “This happened to us a little over a week ago ago the scammer posed as an Apple agent trying to help us ,fortunately my daughter saw through him but our bank had us freeze our accounts, and helped us through this minefield it is so so inconvenient to say the least but at least our money is safe so thank you 802 , so people if you get this Apple app saying your account has been compromised don’t open it just get in touch with your bank and credit card accounts they will help you through it.”

Sex assault arrest in St. J – In St. Johnsbury, police have arrested Jeffrey Bragdon, 46, on a charge of sexual assault following an investigation into an incident reported during the early morning hours of June 29. The department’s Special Investigations Unit assisted with the case. Bragdon was ordered held without bail and was scheduled to appear in Caledonia Superior Court on July 1.

Woman suspected of attack with baseball bat – Also in the St. Johnsbury area, Vermont State Police arrested Robin Noyes, 39, of St. Johnsbury, on July 5 after investigating a threatening complaint. Troopers allege Noyes threatened to strike 60-year-old William Mitchell with a baseball bat. Noyes was cited to appear in Caledonia County Superior Court on July 27 on a charge of criminal threatening.

Montpelier names new interim chief after chief, deputy both go to Northfield – Montpelier City Manager Kelly McNicholas Kury has appointed Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Pearson as interim police chief effective July 6. Pearson, a member of the Montpelier Police Department since 2009 and its third-highest-ranking officer, assumes the role following the resignations of the city’s police chief and deputy chief, both of whom recently accepted positions with the Northfield Police Department. Pearson will serve until a permanent chief is selected.