VSP News Release-Incident
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3000959
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin Prandini
STATION: Shaftsbury
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: March 12, 2026, 0700 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Sunderland, VT
VIOLATION: Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order
ACCUSED: Scott Brian Messenger
AGE: 52
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Sunderland, VT
VICTIM: (The Vermont State Police does not release the names of victims of
sexual assault or domestic violence.)
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: On March 12, 2026, at approximately 1000 hours, Vermont State Police was advised of a violation of an Abuse Prevention Order. Through investigation, it was determined that Scott Brian Messenger of Sunderland, VT, contacted a person protected by an Abuse Prevention Order. Messenger was placed under arrest and transported to the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks for processing. He was released with conditions.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: March 13, 2026, 1230 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Criminal Division
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.
