UPDATE: Press Release - Grand Isle County Sheriff's Dept - Drowning

**UPDATE**7-23-26

The 86-year-old male is identified as George L. Mitchell of Montreal, PQ. Preliminary findings by the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner have determined the manner of Mr. Mitchell’s death to be accident, with drowning to be the immediate cause of death.

 

 

 

Please find the below press release on behalf of the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department.

 

POC –

Sheriff Ray Allen

Sergeant Jason Essinger                         

STATION: Grand Isle Sheriff’s Department                    

CONTACT#:802-372-4482

 

DATE/TIME: 7-14-2026 / 1504 Hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Lake Champlain, North Hero

NATURE OF INCIDENT: Drowning

 

VICTIM: Withheld pending notification of family

AGE:

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

At approximately 1504hrs on 7/14/2026, the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Office responded to the western shore of North Hero for a report of an 86-year-old male overdue swimmer. Grand Isle County Mutual Aid marine assets were dispatched to assist as well as emergency medical services. The first deputy to arrive on scene was able to locate the male in the water, swam out to him, and brought him ashore. The male was unresponsive and resuscitative efforts were made. Unfortunately, the male did not survive, and the death is not considered suspicious at this time.

 

The victim’s name is being withheld as family is still being located and notified.

 

The Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the North Hero Fire Department, Grand Isle Fire Department, Grand Isle/North Hero Rescue Squad, South Hero Fire Department, Grand Isle County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their assistance and support in the response and investigation of this incident.

 

Members of the public with information about this incident are encouraged to reach out to the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Office at 802-372-4482.

 

 

Jason J. Essinger
Sergeant
Grand Isle County Sheriff's Department
10 Island Circle, Grand Isle, Vermont 05458
Office: 802-372-4482
Fax: 802-372-5771
e-mail: jason.essinger@vermont.gov

 

Derby Barracks / Embezzlement

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

      

CASE#: 26A5002086

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Det. Sgt. Joshua Mikkola                        

STATION: Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Troop A East - Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 04/21/2026   /    1107 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Jay Peak Resort; 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT

VIOLATION: Embezzlement

 

VICTIM: Jay Peak Pacific LLC

 

ACCUSED:  Lisa Gaylor

AGE: 41

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Barton, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On Tuesday morning, April 21st, 2026, the Vermont State Police began an investigation into a report of theft of cash in an amount totaling over $70,000.00 from a secure vault room at Jay Peak Resort, located in Jay, Vermont.

 

Subsequent investigation determined Lisa Gaylor, 41, of Barton, who was the Vault Supervisor, took cash in smaller increments ranging from $2,000 - $6,000 at a time from the safe between fall of 2025 and spring of 2026. Total known loss was determined to be $70,790.00.

 

On Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, Gaylor was taken into custody and transported to the Derby Barracks, processed and later released with a citation.

 

Lisa Gaylor

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/25/2026   /   0830 hours

COURT: Criminal Division, Vermont Superior Court, Newport

LODGED - LOCATION: No

MUG SHOT: AVAILABLE

 

Berlin Barracks / DUI #1

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A3006159

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Katie Finn                       

STATION: Berlin Barracks                      

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 07/22/2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Waterbury, VT

VIOLATION: DUI #1

 

ACCUSED: Matthew Shover

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Cambridge, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 07/22/2026, Troopers from the Berlin Barracks conducted a directed patrol around Guptil Road and Vermont Route 100 in the Town of Waterbury. While conducting this patrol, Troopers observed a vehicle committing a traffic violation and initiated a traffic stop. Troopers identified the operator as Matthew Shover, 36 of Cambridge, VT. During the investigation, Troopers observed indicators of impairment. Shover was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI, transported to the State Police Barracks in Berlin, and processed.  At the conclusion of processing, Shover was released with a citation to appear in Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division on 08/06/2026 at 0830 hours.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/06/2026 @ 0830 hours            

COURT: Washington County Superior Court- Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

MUG SHOT: Image Not Included

Derby Barracks / DUI #1

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5003918

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Aaron Leonard

STATION: Derby

CONTACT#: 802-334-8881

 

DATE/TIME: 7/12/2026 1529 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Interstate 91 Port of Entry, Derby Line, VT

VIOLATION: DUI #1

 

ACCUSED: Juan Pablo Molina Soto                                               

AGE: 58

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Chicopee, MA

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police was notified by United States Customs and Border Protection officers at the Interstate 91 Port of Entry (POE) in Derby Line of a motor vehicle operator they suspected was under the influence of alcohol. CPB officers had detained the individual as they attempted to pass through the POE.

 

Investigation revealed the operator, Juan Pablo Molina Soto, age 58 of Chicopee, MA, had turned his vehicle around after having passed the last United States Interstate exit and was attempting to return south through the POE. Troopers interacting with Molina Soto observed indicators of impairment and Molina Soto was arrested without incident for DUI. Molina Soto was transported to the VSP Derby barracks for processing and was released with a citation to appear in Orleans Criminal Court on 7/28/2026 to be arraigned on a charge of DUI #1.

 

COURT ACTION: Yes

COURT DATE/TIME: 7/28/2026 8:00AM          

COURT: Orleans Criminal Court

LODGED - LOCATION: N/A

BAIL: N/A

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.

 

Aaron Leonard, Trooper

Vermont State Police – Derby

35 Crawford Road,

Derby, VT 05829

802-334-8881

aaron.leonard@vermont.gov

 

Update No. 2: Berlin Barracks / Missing Person

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

       

CASE#: 26A3006107

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt. Daniel Bohnyak                           

STATION: VSP Berlin

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 07/21/2026 0949 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Dowsville Road, Duxbury, VT

INCIDENT: Missing person

 

MISSING PERSON: Clifford Bennett

AGE: 74

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Duxbury, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

***UPDATE***

 

On Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at approximately 6:50 pm, Clifford Bennett was located safe in Williston, Vermont.

 

----------------------------------

 

The Vermont State Police is continuing to investigate the disappearance of 74-year-old Clifford Bennett of Duxbury. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, VSP received reports that Mr. Bennett was seen at about 11:30 a.m. at a business in downtown Waterbury. Staff described him as wearing a white collared shirt and blue jeans.

 

VSP also is attaching photos of Mr. Bennett’s Volkswagen Tiguan that show specifically identifying features, including a dent and missing paint on the driver’s side hood and a crack in the windshield.

 

Anyone with information on Mr. Bennett’s whereabouts should call VSP’s Berlin Barracks at 802-229-9191.

 

 

***Initial news release, 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026***

On 07/21/2026 Troopers responded to a report of a missing 74-year-old male, Clifford Bennett.  It was reported that Bennett left his residence on 07/20/2026 in the afternoon and had not been seen or heard from since.  Bennett was last seen driving a black 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan bearing Vermont registration KZR962.  The disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there are concerns for his welfare.  Anyone with information on Bennett's location is requested to call the Vermont State Police at the number above.

 

 

Sgt. Tylor Rancourt

Patrol Commander

Vermont State Police

Berlin Barracks

578 Paine Turnpike N

Berlin, VT 05602

 

Office: 802-229-9191

Cell: 802-760-0545

 

RE: Traffic Alert - Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh

 

Roadway reopened

 

From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 4:54 PM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh

 

EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
New Haven 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh has both lanes obstructed in the area of In the area of Shore Rd due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours.  Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.
 
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.

RE: Traffic Alert - Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh

 

Roadway has one lane reopened

 

From: Deslauriers, Katherine via DPS.VSPMedia <dps.vspmedia@list.vermont.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 4:54 PM
To: DPS - Roadway Alert <DPS.RoadwayAlert@vermont.gov>
Subject: Traffic Alert - Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh

 

EXTERNAL SENDER: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize and trust the sender.

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
New Haven 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh has both lanes obstructed in the area of In the area of Shore Rd due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours.  Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.
 
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.

St. Johnsbury Barracks / DUI Crash

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH

 

CASE#: 26A4007759                                           

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Andrew Barton

STATION: St. Johnsbury                                      

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 07/21/2026 at 1741 hours

STREET: 3661 US RT 5 N

TOWN: Newbury, VT

LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Oxbow Rd.

WEATHER:       Overcast

ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry

VIOLATION: DUI 1

 

VEHICLE #1

OPERATOR: Madison Hart

AGE: 28

SEAT BELT? Y

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Topsham VT

 

VEHICLE YEAR: 2011

VEHICLE MAKE: Hyundai

VEHICLE MODEL: Azera

DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Heavy front end damage

INJURIES: minor

HOSPITAL: NA

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF CRASH:

 

On the above date and time Troopers responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of 3661 US RT 5 N in Newbury. Investigation revealed that Hart was the operator. Hart failed to navigate a turn and left the roadway striking a guard rail causing her vehicle to come to uncontrolled rest down an embankment. The investigation further revealed that Hart was under the influence at the time of the crash. Hart was arrested for suspicion of DUI and transported to the Bradford outpost for processing. Hart was later issued a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division and released.

 

 

LODGED - LOCATION: NA    

BAIL: NA

MUG SHOT: Y

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT: Orange

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/05/2026 at 0830 hours      

 

 

 

*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.

Saint Johnsbury barracks / DUI / 26A4007766

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4007766

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Andrew Barton                             

STATION: St. Johnsbury                     

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 07/21/2026 at 2123 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: I 91 N MM 106, Newbury, VT

VIOLATION: DUI

 

ACCUSED: Gabriela Cabrera                                               

AGE: 22

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: East Boston, MA

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time Troopers from the St. Johnsbury barracks came upon a disabled vehicle on I 91 N MM 106 in Newbury. Troopers identified Cabrera who was walking down the median of I 91. While speaking with Cabrera, indicators of impairment were observed. Investigation revealed that Cabrera had operated her motor vehicle while under the influence. Cabrera was arrested for suspicion of DUI and transported to the St. Johnsbury barracks for processing. Cabrera was later issued a citation to appear in Orange County Superior Court – Criminal Division and released.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 08/05/2026 0830 hours            

COURT: Orange

LODGED - LOCATION: NA    

BAIL: NA

MUG SHOT: Attached

 

 

 

 

*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.

 

Traffic Alert - Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh

 

State of Vermont
Department of Public Safety
Vermont State Police
New Haven 

News Release – Highway / Traffic Notification
Long Point Rd, Ferrisburgh has both lanes obstructed in the area of In the area of Shore Rd due to a crash.

This incident is expected to last for 1-2 hours.  Specific details are not yet available, updates will be provided as appropriate.
 
Motorists should expect delays in the area or seek alternate routes.  Please drive carefully.

Berlin Barracks / Multiple Charges

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A3006139

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Abigail Sikora                           

STATION: Berlin Barracks                    

CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 07/22/2026 @ 1047 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Barre Hill Rd, Plainfield, VT

VIOLATION: Violation of Conditions of Release, Criminal Threatening

 

ACCUSED: Jennifer Harman                                          

AGE: 57

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Plainfield, VT

 

VICTIM: Michael Partlow

AGE: 64

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Plainfield, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police received a report of a citizen dispute on Barre Hill Rd. in the Town of Plainfield. Investigation revealed Jennifer Harman, 57, of Plainfield violated her court ordered conditions of release and threatened bodily injury to Michael Partlow, 64, of Plainfield. Harman was taken into custody and brought to the Berlin Barracks for processing. Harman was ultimately lodged at the Chittenden County Correctional Complex for lack of $200 bail. Harman was issued a citation to appear before the Washington County Superior Court – Criminal Division on 07/23/26 at 1230 hours.

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 07/23/2026 @ 1230 hours          

COURT: Washington County Court – Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION: Chittenden County Correctional Complex

BAIL: $200

MUG SHOT: N/A

 

 

 

 

*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.

 

State Police Advisory Commission releases synopsis of misconduct investigations involving VSP troopers

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

STATE POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION

 

State Police Advisory Commission releases synopsis of misconduct investigations involving Vermont State Police troopers

 

WATERBURY, Vermont (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) — The Vermont Department of Public Safety and the State Police Advisory Commission today are releasing the latest semiannual detailed summary of internal investigations involving members of the Vermont State Police.

 

The release of these synopses provides greater transparency, public awareness, and oversight to the activities of the Vermont State Police, while balancing requirements regarding internal investigations and the need to have internal investigations completed before public dissemination.

 

A report attached to this statement contains synopses of the four investigations that came before SPAC from July 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025. All the investigations arose as the result of a concern raised internally by members of the Vermont State Police. One of the incidents was determined to be founded, while the other three led to the departure from VSP of the trooper involved before final adjudication.

 

Synopses in the IA summary do not include identifying information about the VSP members involved, which is confidential as a matter of law.

 

 

About SPAC

The State Police Advisory Commission was created by statute in 1979 and is comprised of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Vermont Senate. Among the duties of SPAC is to provide civilian oversight of the Vermont State Police and to advise and counsel the Commissioner of Public Safety in his/her overall responsibilities for the management, supervision and control of the Vermont State Police.

 

In addition, SPAC is statutorily empowered to provide advice and counsel to the Commissioner of Public Safety to ensure appropriate action is taken with respect to allegations of misconduct by Vermont State Police officers. To assist the Commissioner of Public Safety and SPAC, Vermont law also requires DPS to maintain an Office of Internal Investigations (IA), whose sole responsibility is to investigate allegations of misconduct by members of the Vermont State Police. The IA Office, staffed with a Vermont State Police commander, reports directly to the Commissioner.

 

The current SPAC members are highly respected professionals and represent a cross-section of Vermont. They are Chairman Glenn Boyde and members Allison Crowley, John Filipek, June Heston, Shirley Jefferson, Gary Margolis, and Seth Shamp.

 

SPAC meetings generally are held bi-monthly and are open to the public (except when SPAC is in executive session). Meeting dates can be found on the DPS website by clicking the SPAC link under “Committees and Boards.”

 

 

About the IA Process

The Department of Public Safety IA Office receives allegations of misconduct or improper conduct by a Vermont state trooper in two ways. First, the public may lodge a complaint by telephone, through the Vermont State Police website, via email, or in person. These allegations are called “citizen complaints.” In addition, each VSP member is obligated to promptly report any evidence or allegation of misconduct or improper conduct involving a state trooper. These reports are referred to as “employee complaints.”

 

Not all complaints rise to the level of requiring a formal internal affairs investigation. These are typically handled by the station or unit commander. For instance, a complaint about a trooper speeding on the highway normally would be handled by the station or unit commander. More serious allegations, as determined by the Commissioner, are opened as formal internal affairs investigations. In the case of an allegation of misconduct that consists of criminal conduct, the internal investigation typically is stayed pending the conclusion of a criminal investigation and/or prosecution by appropriate prosecutorial authorities. Once an internal affairs investigation is complete, the Commissioner determines what disciplinary action, if any, is appropriate and should be imposed. The entire case is then reviewed by the State Police Advisory Commission to ensure appropriate action has been taken.

 

Vermont law requires that all internal investigations “shall be confidential” except in limited circumstances. Accordingly, specific details beyond the synopses of these investigations cannot be made public.

 

 

- 30 -

 

St. Johnsbury Barracks/Sexual Assault

 

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A4006467

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Detective Corporal Christopher Pilner                         

STATION: St. Johnsbury                    

CONTACT#: 748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: Between 2020 and 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Lyndonville, VT

VIOLATION: Sexual Assault and Lew and Lascivious Conduct

 

ACCUSED: Kyle O'Suileabhain                                             

AGE:50

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Lyndonville, VT

 

VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of

sexual assault or domestic violence.)

AGE:

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE:

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On 6/17/26 the Vermont State Police began an investigation into allegations of multiple sexual assaults the occurred over a six-year period.  As a result of the investigation on 7/22/26 Kyle O'Suileabhain was arrested for Sexual Assault and Lewd and Lascivious Conduct. Upon his arrest O'Suileabhain was brought to Caledonia Superior Court where he was arraigned. At arraignment, O'Suileabhain was ordered held without bail.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 7/22/26 at 0100         

COURT: Caledonia

LODGED - LOCATION: NERCC  

BAIL: Held Without

MUG SHOT: See attached

 

*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.

 

 

Shaftsbury Barracks/Failure to comply with VT Sex Offender Registry

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26B3003967

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME:  Det. Sgt. Lauren Ronan                    

STATION:  Shaftsbury                    

CONTACT#: 802-442-5421

 

DATE/TIME: July 20th, 2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Pownal

VIOLATION: Failure to comply with VT Sex Offender Registry/Violation of Probation

 

ACCUSED:   Corey Martin                                             

AGE: 28

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal VT

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

 

On July 20th, 2026, the Vermont State Police were notified by Bennington County Probation and Parole that Corey Martin was non-compliant with his requirements under the Vermont Sex Offender Registry. Martin had provided a false address to the Vermont Sex Offender Registry while staying out of state July 7th-14th, 2026.

 

Due to this non-compliance, Martin violated his conditions of probation.  On July 22nd 2026, Corey Martin was arrested for failure to comply with the VT Sex Offender Registry and violation of his conditions of probation.

 

Martin was processed at the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks. Following processing, he was released to be arraigned at Bennington County Criminal Court on July 23rd 2026, at 1230 hours.

 

 

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME: 07-23-2026  1230

COURT:  BENNINGTON

LODGED - LOCATION:  NA  

MUG SHOT: INCLUDED IMAGE

 

 

 

 

*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.

 

UPDATE / Berlin Barracks / Request for Information

 

UPDATE:

 

The involved individuals have been identified, and it was determined that no crime has been committed. The Vermont State Police would like to thank the numerous members of the public that sent tips and assisted in the investigation, no other information is needed at this time.

 

VSP News Release-Incident

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

      

CASE#: 26A3006099

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Alyssa Nozka

STATION: Berlin

CONTACT#: (802) 229-9191

 

DATE/TIME:  July 20th, 2026, at approximately 1937 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Duxfarm Est, Duxbury, VT

 

ACCUSED: Unknown at this time                                          

      

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:  

 

On July 20, 2026, at approximately 1937 hours, the Vermont State Police received a report of an unlawful trespass into an occupied dwelling on Duxfarm Est in the Town of Duxbury, VT. Investigation revealed that a male and female entered into the occupied residence then subsequently left the area. Photographs of the individuals involved are included with this press release.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident or the identities of the individuals pictured is encouraged to contact Trooper Alyssa Nozka and the Berlin Barracks at 802-229-9191. Anonymous tips may be provided online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.   

Rutland Barracks / Request for Information

 

STATE OF VERMONT

 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

       

 

CASE#: 26B4005588

 

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Bruce Cleaver                            

 

STATION: Rutland                    

 

CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101

 

 

 

DATE/TIME: 07/19/2026

 

INCIDENT LOCATION: Lookout Lane, Middletown Springs / Ghost Hollow Rd, West Haven

 

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On 07/20/2026, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks received a report of a vehicle that had been stolen overnight from a driveway on Lookout Lane in Middletown Springs. The vehicle, a 2025 Black Jeep Compass was ultimately located on Ghost Hollow Rd in West Haven after having been dumped and lit on fire. Investigation revealed this vehicle had been stolen in Middletown Springs around 10pm and was ditched and set on fire on Ghost Hollow Rd in West Haven at around 11pm.

 

This incident and the individuals involved may be linked to numerous other motor vehicle thefts in the Rutland County area in recent months.

 

 

 

Anyone in the area who has information or video that could be relevant, is asked to contact Trooper Bruce Cleaver of the Vermont State Police Rutland barracks at (802)773-9101 or at Bruce.Cleaver@Vermont.gov

 

 

 

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the Vermont State Police Tip Submission Page online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit or by texting the keyword “VTIPS” to 274637 (CRIMES).

 

 

Trooper Bruce Cleaver

Vermont State Police

124 State Place

Rutland, VT 05701

Barracks: 802-773-9101

Email: Bruce.Cleaver@Vermont.Gov

 

Update No. 1: Berlin Barracks / Missing Person

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

       

CASE#: 26A3006107

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt. Daniel Bohnyak                           

STATION: VSP Berlin

CONTACT#: 802-229-9191

 

DATE/TIME: 07/21/2026 0949 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Dowsville Road, Duxbury, VT

INCIDENT: Missing person

 

MISSING PERSON: Clifford Bennett

AGE: 74

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Duxbury, VT

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

The Vermont State Police is continuing to investigate the disappearance of 74-year-old Clifford Bennett of Duxbury. On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, VSP received reports that Mr. Bennett was seen at about 11:30 a.m. at a business in downtown Waterbury. Staff described him as wearing a white collared shirt and blue jeans.

 

VSP also is attaching photos of Mr. Bennett’s Volkswagen Tiguan that show specifically identifying features, including a dent and missing paint on the driver’s side hood and a crack in the windshield.

 

Anyone with information on Mr. Bennett’s whereabouts should call VSP’s Berlin Barracks at 802-229-9191.

 

 

***Initial news release, 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026***

On 07/21/2026 Troopers responded to a report of a missing 74-year-old male, Clifford Bennett.  It was reported that Bennett left his residence on 07/20/2026 in the afternoon and had not been seen or heard from since.  Bennett was last seen driving a black 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan bearing Vermont registration KZR962.  The disappearance is not considered suspicious, but there are concerns for his welfare.  Anyone with information on Bennett's location is requested to call the Vermont State Police at the number above.

 

- 30 -

 

St Johnsbury Barracks / Request for Information

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

CASE#: 26A4007761

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Goodwin

STATION:  St. Johnsbury Barracks              

CONTACT#: 802-748-3111

 

DATE/TIME: 07/22/2026 at approximately 1700 hours

INCIDENT LOCATION: Willoughby State Forest, Sutton, VT

VIOLATION: Illegal Dumping

 

ACCUSED: Unknown                                    

AGE: NA

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: NA

 

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On the above date and time the Vermont State Police received a report of an illegal dumping of tires in the Willoughby State Forest in Sutton, Vermont.   Troopers responded to the area and located 40 tires on the edge of the road.  A vehicle of interest was seen in the area just prior to the tires being dumped on the side of the road.  A photograph of the vehicle is attached to this press release.

 

Anyone with information related to this incident or the possible identities of individuals involved is encouraged to contact Trooper Benjamin Goodwin at the St. Johnsbury Barracks at 802-748-3111. Anonymous tips may be provided online at https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.   

 

Derby Barracks / Multiple Offenses

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

NEWS RELEASE

       

CASE#: 26A5003960

RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Tpr. Logan Miller                            

STATION: Derby                   

CONTACT#: 802 334 8881

 

DATE/TIME: 07/15/2026

INCIDENT LOCATION: Railroad St, N Troy, VT

VIOLATION: Criminal Threatening, Violation of Conditions of Release, Criminal DLS

 

ACCUSED: Brent McClure                                             

AGE: 37

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: N Troy, VT

 

VICTIM: Danny Gosselin

AGE: 36

CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: N Troy, VT

 

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On the above date and time, the Vermont State Police received call about Brent McClure (37) of N Troy, VT threatening Danny Gosselin (36) of N Troy, VT. Investigation revealed McClure threatened bodily injury to Gosselin. Throughout the investigation it was revealed that McClure has been and has continued to operate a side by side in the Village of N Troy, VT. McClure has active pretrial conditions of release prohibiting him from operating a motor vehicle on a public highway and has a criminally suspended driver’s license.

 

 

COURT ACTION: Y

COURT DATE/TIME:  07/22/2026 @ 1230 hours          

COURT: Orleans Criminal Division

LODGED - LOCATION:     

BAIL:

MUG SHOT: NOT AVAILABLE

 

*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.

 

 

Trooper Logan Miller

Vermont State Police

Troop A – Derby Barracks

35 Crawford Road

Derby, Vermont 05829

Logan.Miller@vermont.gov

(802) 334-8881