Enroute to domestic sex assault

By Guy Page

A Vermont State Police cruiser struck a deer late Saturday night while responding to a domestic disturbance in Jay. Sgt. Daniel Lynch, 37, of Derby, was driving north on Route 105 with emergency lights activated when a deer entered the roadway near Vincent Road, according to police.

The cruiser sustained heavy front-end damage. Lynch, who was on duty, suffered minor injuries and was treated at North Country Hospital. No other vehicles were involved.

The crash occurred while troopers were responding to a domestic incident on Bacon Road that resulted in the arrest of Matthew Bernard, 42, of Jay. Police said Bernard sexually assaulted and physically harmed a family member, violated an abuse prevention order, and interfered with the victim’s ability to call for help.

Bernard was taken into custody, processed at the Derby barracks, and lodged without bail at Northern State Correctional Facility. He is due in Orleans Superior Court on October 20 to face charges including sexual assault, aggravated domestic assault, unlawful restraint, violation of an abuse prevention order, and interference with access to emergency services.

Fatal motorcycle crash – A Massachusetts motorcyclist was killed Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Route 100 near Robillard Road. Police said Conner Caron, 20, of North Adams, Mass., was riding a 2009 Triumph Street Triple when he collided with a 2018 Jeep Cherokee driven by 66-year-old Rita Bolognani, also of North Adams.

Caron was pronounced dead at the scene. Bolognani was not injured. Witnesses told investigators that speed appeared to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

Stolen trailer recovered – State police recovered a stolen utility trailer at a residence on Route 236 September 18. Investigators last week said John Tatro, 42, of Sheldon, was in possession of the stolen property. He was cited to appear in Franklin County Superior Court on November 25 to answer to a charge of possession of stolen property. The trailer was returned to its owner.

Racial slur in barbecue sauce- A dispute between two residents led to criminal citations for both after a series of vandalism and harassment incidents. Troopers say Jeffrey Brown, 34, violated court-ordered release conditions by entering the property of Ashley Laplante, 33, and damaging it.

Earlier that same day, Laplante allegedly wrote a racial slur on a vehicle belonging to Brown and another person, Kasey Vincelette, using barbecue sauce. Brown and Laplante were each cited on multiple charges, including a hate-motivated unlawful mischief offense for Laplante. Both are due in Franklin County Superior Court later this fall.

Rutland drug bust – Rutland residents were arrested October 16 on state drug charges following a federal search at 211 Dorr Drive that uncovered cocaine and fentanyl. Logan Irwin, 27, and Joel Wildman, 46, were each charged with possession of cocaine.

Authorities seized about 72 grams of crack cocaine, 33 grams of powder cocaine, and 30 bags of fentanyl. The search followed a six-month joint investigation involving the Vermont Drug Task Force, DEA, FBI, and local police. Irwin and Wildman are scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court on December 8.

Deputies promoted – Orleans County  Sheriff Jennifer Harlow announced several promotions within the county sheriff’s department, praising the “dedication and hard work” of the team. Promotions include Richard Wells Jr. to Chief Deputy, David Garces to Sergeant in charge of Patrol, Cory Bingham to Sergeant in charge of Courts, and Daniel Locke to Corporal.