STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3000763
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin
Prandini
STATION:
Shaftsbury
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: February 27, 2026, 1422 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: US Route 7 Exit 3, Sunderland
VIOLATION: DUI - Drugs
ACCUSED: Rodney Maurice
Smith
AGE: 30
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Manchester Center, VT
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On February 27, 2026, at approximately
1422 hours, Troopers observed a vehicle commit several traffic violations and
conducted a traffic stop. Contact with the operator, identified as Rodney
Maurice Smith of Manchester Center, VT, prompted an investigation. Mr. Smith
was arrested on suspicion of DUI - Drugs and processed at the Shaftsbury
Barracks. He was cited and ordered to appear in Bennington Superior Court,
Criminal Division, on April 27, 2026, at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: April 27, 2026, 0830
hours
COURT: Bennington Superior Court, Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
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.