STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
CASE#: 26B3005749
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Benjamin
Prandini
STATION:
Shaftsbury
CONTACT#: (802) 442-5421
DATE/TIME: October 23, 2026, approx. 2102 hours
INCIDENT LOCATION: Green Mountain Mobile Home Park, Pownal
VIOLATION: Aggravated disorderly conduct; Disorderly conduct
(x4)
ACCUSED: Samuel
Gates
AGE: 42
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal, VT
VICTIM #1: Donald J. Burdick, Jr.
AGE: 69
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pownal, VT
VICTIM #2: (The Vermont State Police does not release the
names of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.)
VICTIMS #3-5: Juvenile victims
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT: At the above date and time, Troopers
responded to a report of an assault at the Green Mountain Mobile Home Park in
Pownal, VT. Through investigation, it was determined that Samuel Gates (42) of
Pownal, VT, had engaged in threatening and tumultuous behavior. Some of this
behavior was directed specifically at Donald J. Burdick, Jr. (69) of Pownal,
VT, and some was directed generally at four other victims. Gates was issued a
citation and ordered to appear at Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal
Division on December 14, 2026, at 0830 hours.
COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: December 14, 2026, 0830
hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court - Bennington Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: No
BAIL: No
MUG SHOT: No
*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.
