STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26A5006458 / 26A5006410
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Aaron Leonard / Tpr. Richard
Berlandy
STATION:
Derby
CONTACT#: 802-344-8881
DATE/TIME: 11/09/2026 0717 and 11/06/2026 1617 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Dustan Road and Wild Branch Road,
Craftsbury, VT
VIOLATION:
26A5006458: Burglary into an occupied dwelling, Retail
Theft, Negligent Operation x 2, Excessive speed, Attempting to Elude Law
Enforcement x2, Large capacity ammunition feeding devices, Shooting from motor
vehicles or aircraft (Possession of loaded firearm in vehicle), Unlawful
Mischief
26A5006410: Unlawful trespass occupied dwelling, Unlawful
trespass onto property, and retail theft
ACCUSED: Robert Witham
Jr
AGE: 46
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Craftsbury, VT
VICTIM: Mark Royan
AGE: 46
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Craftsbury, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:
On 11/09/2026 at approximately 0717 hours, the Vermont State
Police was advised of a burglary complaint at a residence on Dustan Road in the
Town of Craftsbury, VT. Mark Royan reported that Robert Witham, age 46 of
Craftsbury, VT, had unlawfully entered his residence and had stolen several
items from his farmstand and residence. Witham was also sought by VSP Derby for
other related incidents reported on 11/06/2026.
Troopers responded to the area in search of Witham who was
reported to have fled in his vehicle in the Craftsbury area. While conducting
their investigation, Troopers observed Witham drive by the victim's residence
on Dustan Road. Witham failed to stop for the Troopers who attempted to stop
him in marked cruisers on North Craftsbury Road and again on Wild Branch Road
in Craftsbury. Troopers did not engage in pursuing this vehicle when Witham
failed to yield. While attempting to elude Troopers, Witham operated his
vehicle in a negligent manner well in excess of the Vermont basic rule speed
limit.
Troopers observed Witham enter his residence on Wild Branch
Road and attempted to take him into custody. Witham barricaded himself inside
for several hours and refused to comply with law enforcement orders to exit the
residence. A significant law enforcement response occurred which closed Wild
Branch Road for several hours while a search warrant was executed to take
Witham into custody. During the search of Witham's property, a loaded
firearm and a 30 round rifle magazine was located in the vehicle Witham was
operating when Troopers encountered him. Additionally during the search Witham
is accused of causing damage to a Vermont State Police drone.
Witham was ultimately taken into custody without further
incident and transported to the Derby barracks for processing. Witham was
charged with the following offenses between the two cases listed: Burglary into
an occupied dwelling, Retail Theft, Negligent Operation x 2, Excessive speed,
Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement x2, Large capacity ammunition feeding
devices, Shooting from motor vehicles or aircraft (Possession of loaded firearm
in vehicle), Unlawful Mischief, Unlawful trespass occupied dwelling, Unlawful
trespass onto property, and retail theft.
Witham was held on $5,000 bail at the Northern State
Correctional Facility and conditions of release imposed by the Honorable Court.
Witham will be arraigned on the above charges on Tuesday 11/10/2026 at 12:30PM
in Newport City.
Responding units to this incident included the Vermont State
Police Derby barracks, VSP Special Teams to include the Unmanned Aerial Systems
Program and Tactical Services Unit, the Orleans County Sheriff's Department,
Vermont Fish and Wildlife, the Hardwick Police Department, and the Craftsbury
Fire Department.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 11/9/2026
12:30PM
COURT: Orleans Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: Northern State Correctional Facility
BAIL: $5,000
MUG SHOT: INCLUDED
*Please note: court date and time are subject to
change at the discretion of
the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm
arraignment time.