Create And Track Police Department History
Written by CBKN76
In 2013, Deputy Bowcutt was involved in a high-speed pursuit that ended with the fatal shooting of Mr. Burkinshaw. The pursuit reached speeds of 50 mph and continued into a residential area. After blocking Burkinshaw’s vehicle in a cul-de-sac, Bowcutt exited his patrol truck, drew his weapon, and fired three rounds through the windshield, killing […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2018, Deputy Charles Hoffman was investigated for discussing a confidential officer-involved incident with unauthorized personnel and providing untruthful responses during an internal investigation. He received a Garrity warning but failed to respond truthfully. Hoffman left the agency before any discipline occurred. The Peace Officer Standards and Training Council revoked his certification in 2022. ## […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2011, Deputy Scott Womack conducted an illegal strip search of a teenage girl during a traffic stop, alleging he needed to check for tattoos and piercings. The incident occurred at night in snowy conditions. The girl later discovered she had no outstanding warrant, contradicting Womack’s claim. Womack was fired from the department for misconduct […]
Written by CBKN76
In March 2024, Deputy Mark Belisle was placed on paid administrative leave after making improper comments to jurors during a sexual assault trial in Washington County. Belisle reportedly informed at least one juror that the defendant was being held in jail during the trial and expressed a personal bias towards believing police officers over other […]
Written by CBKN76
In January 2011, former Captain Richard Kelley was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct with a child, involving the sexual assault of two young girls over several years. The alleged incidents occurred between April and June 2009. Kelley resigned from his position on October 30, 2010, following the initiation of the investigation. If convicted, he […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2006, Sheriff Sheila Prue was investigated following an anonymous tip alleging misconduct involving financial mismanagement and misuse of department resources. The state auditor’s office conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering evidence of embezzlement and other financial irregularities. Prue was charged with felony embezzlement and two misdemeanors. She agreed to plead guilty, resign from her position, […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2009, Deputy Sheriff Lora was involved in an incident where he allegedly used excessive force against Charles Chandler at the Windham County Courthouse. Chandler claimed that Lora grabbed him from behind, pushed him into doors, twisted his arms, and placed him under arrest without provocation. Chandler also alleged that he was placed in a […]
Written by CBKN76
In 1976, Sheriff Malcolm ‘Mike’ Mayo faced impeachment proceedings for alleged misconduct, including falsifying documents, instructing deputies to neglect their duties, and personally assaulting or threatening individuals in local bars. The Vermont House brought three articles of impeachment against him. However, the Senate ultimately voted to acquit Mayo. He was voted out of office two […]
Written by CBKN76
Deputy Mark Beezup was involved in issuing trespass notices to Scott Huminski in May 1999, which were alleged to have violated Huminski’s First Amendment rights. The notices prevented Huminski from accessing court property, leading to a lawsuit against the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department. The case highlighted concerns about the suppression of free speech and access […]
Written by CBKN76
In February 2011, Deputy Russell E. Lindemann was charged with neglect of duty and unlawful trespass after allegedly entering an ex-lover’s home without permission and later conducting an unauthorized traffic stop on her. He pleaded not guilty and resigned before charges were brought. If convicted, he faced up to three years in prison. ## Officer […]
Written by CBKN76
In January 2023, Sheriff William Bohnyak was sanctioned by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council for assigning a Level II deputy to investigate cases beyond their authorized scope, including sensitive felony cases involving sexual assaults. The Council issued a written warning and mandated additional training for Bohnyak. Additionally, he was named as a co-defendant in a […]
Written by CBKN76
In October 2019, while off-duty, Sergeant William J. Pine engaged in a road rage incident in Williamstown, Vermont. He tailgated a Jeep, blocked its path, and fired two gunshots into the vehicle, nearly hitting the driver. Pine falsely identified himself as a deputy sheriff during the encounter. In April 2022, he was convicted of two […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2018, former Corporal Ferron Wambold filed a gender discrimination complaint against the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department after being terminated. She alleged a pervasive pattern of nepotism and gender discrimination within the department, describing it as a ‘good-old boy sheriff’s department.’ Wambold claimed that her termination was in retaliation for attempting to file a gender […]
Written by CBKN76
In February 2015, Sgt. Blake Allen conducted a traffic stop on Kerry Martin for speeding. During the stop, Allen questioned Martin’s passenger, Lorenzo Alcudia, a Mexican citizen, about his immigration status, asking if he was ‘supposed to be here.’ Allen called U.S. Border Patrol agents, who detained Alcudia for hours. The Vermont Human Rights Commission […]
Written by CBKN76
In August 2022, then-Captain John Grismore was captured on video kicking a handcuffed and shackled detainee twice in the groin. This led to his termination from the department and a charge of simple assault. Despite these events, Grismore was elected sheriff in November 2022. The Vermont Criminal Justice Council found that he violated the state’s […]