Press Releases

Incident: 23WHC00440
Date: 3/21/23
Location: Laurel Ledges, Vernon
Investigating Deputy: ACO Dep. Pinger #189

Accused: Kayla Merriam
Age: 29
City & State of Residence: Vernon, VT

Charges: Animal Cruelty (Misdemeanor)

Description: On 1/27/23 a dog in very poor condition was located running at large on Franklin Rd in Vernon. The dog was picked up and taken to the Windham County Humane Society where it was later euthanized due to its condition.

The dog's owner was identified and following an extensive investigation, Kayla Merriam of Vernon was arrested for the above offense. She was released on a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date.

Court Date: 5/16/23
Bail: N/A

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Incident: 23WHC001482
Date: 3/18/23
Location: Putney Rd. Brattleboro, VT
Investigating Deputy: Det. Sgt M. Checchi and Deputy T. Raymond

Accused: Kristen Riley
Age: 33
City & State of Residence: Westmoreland, NH

Charges: DUI

Description: On March 18th, at approximately 2340 hours, a deputy assigned to a highway safety detail stopped a vehicle on Putney Rd. in Brattleboro. The operator, Kristen Riley, showed signs of impairment. Riley was subsequently screened and was arrested soon after. She was processed at the Windham County Sheriff's Office, where she was released on a citation after processing.

Court Date: 4/11/23
Bail: N/A

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Incident:23WHC001476
Date:03/18/23
Location: Back Westminster Road
Investigating Deputy: Deputy David S.Gaillardetz Sgt.Det Mario Checchi

Accused:Kristin M. Leggett
Age: 33
City & State of Residence: Killington VT

Charges:DUI #2

Description: On March 18, 2023, at approximately 2337 hours, a deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office, assigned to a Highway Safety Detail, observed a vehicle traveling North on I-91 in Westminster driving in the breakdown lane portion of the highway. After the vehicle exited the interstate, he also observed the vehicle fail to stop for the stop sign at the end of the ramp.

After further investigation, Kristin M. Leggett was found to be operating under the influence of alcohol, rendering her unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.

After arrest and processing, Kristin was released on a criminal citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. Kristin was held at the Southern State Correctional Facility until sober.

Bellows Falls Police Department assisted with the investigation.

Court Date:03/20/23
Bail: Hold until sober

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Incident: 23WHC001474
Date: 03/17/2023
Location: Route 5
Investigating Deputy: Deputy Thomas Raymond, Det. Sgt. Mario Cheechi

Accused: Patricia A. Blomgren
Age: 70
City & State of Residence: East Dummerston, Vt

Charges: DUI

Description: On March 17th, 2023, at approximately 21:57 pm, A Deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office working a Governor Highway Safety detail in the town of Dummerston, observed a vehicle traveling south on Route 5 with no taillights. The observing deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and upon speaking with the operator, clues of impairment were observed. At this point an investigation for operating under the influence was conducted. The operator of the vehicle was identified as, Patricia A, Blomgre and based on the totality of the circumstances, Blomgren was found to be unsafe to operate a motor vehicle. She was subsequently arrested for DUI.

Blomgren was processed at the Windham County Sheriff's Office and released on citation to appear at a later date for the charges of DUI #1.

Court Date: 04/11/2023
Bail: N/A

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Incident: 22WHC001501
Date: 3/19/23
Location: I-91 N MM 26.2, Westminster
Investigating Deputy: Sgt. Norton #166

Accused: Bailee Plumley
Age: 21
City & State of Residence: Farmington, CT

Charges:

1) Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
2) Excessive Speed

Description: On 3/19/23 at approximately 1730 hours, Bailee Plumley was arrested by the Windham County Sheriff's Office after the vehicle she was operating was observed traveling at 102 mph in the legally posted 65 mph zone northbound on I-91 in Westminster. Bailee was released at the scene on a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. She was also issued a traffic ticket for the civil speeding violation.

Court Date: 5/16/23
Bail: N/A

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Incident: 23WHC001172
Date: 3/1/23
Location: I-91 S MM29, Westminster
Investigating Deputy: Sgt. Norton #166

Accused: Travis Hodgdon
Age: 45
City & State of Residence: Chester, VT

Charges:

1) Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
2) Excessive Speed

Description: On 3/1/23 at approximately 1330 hours Travis Hodgdon was arrested by the Windham County Sheriff's Office after the vehicle he was operating was observed to be traveling at 108 mph in the posted 65 mph zone on I-91 near MM 29 in Westminster. Travis was released from the scene on a citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. He was also issued a traffic ticket for the civil speeding violation.

Court Date: 4/11/23
Bail: N/A

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Incident:23WHC001247
Date:03/03/2022
Location:Rt.5 Putney, VT Sunoco Gas Station
Investigating Deputy:David Gaillardetz, Det. Sgt. Mario Checchi, Thomas Raymond.

Accused:Bryan B. Wainwright
Age:34
City & State of Residence: Putney VT.

Charges:DUI Subsequent, DUI-Criminal Refusal, Excessive Speed, Neg Operation, Attempt to Elude, Criminal DLS-Sub, VOCx3, Arrest Warrant.

Description:On March 3, 2023 at approximately 1632 hours, a Deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office, assigned to a Highway Safety Detail, observed a vehicle traveling northbound on VT Route 5 Dummerston in excess of 83 mph in a 50 mph zone.
The Deputy attempted to stop the vehicle. In doing so, the vehicle proceeded to travel northbound at a high rate of speed before turning into a Sunoco gas station parking lot.
After further investigation, the operator Bryan Wainwright was found to be operating under the influence of alcohol. After arrest and processing, Bryan was issued a criminal citation to appear in the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division at a later date. Bryan was also transported to Southern State Correctional Facility regarding his arrest warrant.

Court Date:04/25/23
Bail:200.00

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Incident: 23WHC001047
Date: 03/02/2023
Location: RT 35 in Townshend,VT
Investigating Deputy:
Deputy Kennedy & Deputy Miller

Accused: Sarah M Weitzel
Age: 41
City & State of Residence: Londonderry, Vt

Charges: Larceny

Description: Sara Weitzel, 41, of Londonderry VT was cited by the Windham County Sheriff's Office on March 1st, 2023 for Larceny. Weitzel is being accused of stealing multiple items from a resident of Londonderry who provided Weitzel a place to stay for a short period of time. Weitzel stole items from antique silver trays to wedding rings. On March 1st 2023 Deputies located the vehicle traveling on rt 35 in Townshed Rd and conducted a traffic stop, Weitzel was taken into custody with out incident. Weitzel was cited to appear before the Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division in Brattleboro on April 14th, 2023 to answer to the charge.

Court Date: March 14th,2023
Bail: N/A

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Incident: 23WHC001047
Date: 03/02/2023
Location: RT 35 in Townshend,VT
Investigating Deputy:
Deputy Kennedy & Deputy Miller

Accused: Sarah M Weitzel
Age: 41
City & State of Residence: Londonderry, Vt

Charges: Larceny

Description: Sara Weitzel, 41, of Londonderry VT was cited by the Windham County Sheriff's Office on March 1st, 2023 for Larceny. Weitzel is being accused of stealing multiple items from a resident of Londonderry who provided Weitzel a place to stay for a short period of time. Weitzel stole items from antique silver trays to wedding rings. On March 1st 2023 Deputies located the vehicle traveling on rt 35 in Townshed Rd and conducted a traffic stop, Weitzel was taken into custody with out incident. Weitzel was cited to appear before the Vermont Superior Court, Criminal Division in Brattleboro on April 14th, 2023 to answer to the charge.

Court Date: March 14th,2023
Bail: N/A

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Incident: 23WHC000241
Date: 01/16/2023
Location: Athens, VT
Investigating Deputy: Deputy Jacob Cohen

Accused: Clifford Wilson
Age: 31
City & State of Residence: Athens, VT

Charges: Driving after Suspension (3rd Offense)-23 VSA 674(b)(3)

Description: On January 11, 2023, at approximately 0800 hours, a deputy with the Windham County Sheriff's Office stopped a vehicle for speed on Brookline Road in Athens, VT. The operator, Clifford A. Wilson, was found to be Driving while Criminally Suspended. Wilson was issued a civil violation for speed and released on a citation into the Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division to appear at a later date.

Court Date: 04/11/2023
Bail: N/A

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