Vermont Sheriff Faces Calls to Resign Over Stalking, Misconduct Charges

MONTPELIER, Vt. — A Vermont sheriff is fighting to keep his badge after being charged with multiple felonies, including using his official position to stalk women he allegedly paid for sexual acts. Governor Phil Scott has publicly called for Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer’s resignation, stating the elected lawman has "lost the trust" of the community he swore to protect.

Palmer, 39, was arrested on January 27 and pleaded not guilty the next day to charges including felony counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon, obstruction of justice, and misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution. Court records unsealed this week and reviewed by local media outline a pattern of alleged behavior that began with paid encounters and escalated into harassment.

According to affidavits cited by Vermont Public, Valley News, and Seven Days, at least three women told investigators that Palmer paid them to watch him masturbate, both in person and via video call. The encounters reportedly originated through professional or community contacts, after which Palmer sent unsolicited payments and explicit messages.

The situation intensified, the documents allege, when two of the women cut off contact. They reported that Palmer began driving by their homes and showing up at their workplaces in his marked sheriff’s cruiser. In one incident detailed by prosecutors, Palmer allegedly confronted a woman in a parking lot while on duty—a factor that elevated the stalking charge to "aggravated."

"This is precisely why abuse of a public position of trust is so insidious," Bennington County Deputy State’s Attorney Jared Bianchi said during a court hearing.

The case came to light unexpectedly. Vermont State Police initially launched an investigation last summer into possible financial mismanagement within the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. During that probe, investigators say they uncovered evidence of sexual misconduct and identified multiple victims.

In response to the arrest, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council unanimously suspended Palmer’s law enforcement certification, effectively barring him from patrols or investigative duties while the case is pending. Deputy Captain Claude Weyant has assumed day-to-day operations.

Governor Scott, a Republican, made his position clear shortly after the suspension. "From what I’ve seen and read, he’s lost the trust of folks in Windsor County, and he should step down," Scott told reporters.

Palmer, however, is digging in. Through his attorney, Dan Sedon, he has characterized the allegations as matters of "private conduct between consenting adults." In a statement to WCAX, Palmer denied any criminal wrongdoing, calling the charges a misrepresentation of his "personal life," and asked the public not to let it affect their view of his department.

Removing a sitting sheriff in Vermont is difficult, requiring impeachment by the state legislature—a lengthy and rarely used process. Palmer was elected in 2022 and has stated he is only "stepping back" from daily operations, not resigning.

Community Reaction

Michael Ridgeway, 58, retired teacher from Windsor: "This is a profound betrayal. We elect sheriffs to uphold the law, not to allegedly use their authority and county vehicle to intimidate vulnerable people. The governor is right—how can anyone feel safe reporting a crime to him now?"

Sarah Chen, 34, local defense attorney: "The legal process must play out, and he is entitled to a defense. However, the immediate suspension of his certification was a necessary, interim measure to preserve public confidence in the office while the courts determine the facts."

David "Mac" Macalister, 47, auto shop owner: "It’s a witch hunt. They went looking for budget issues and came up with this? What consenting adults do privately shouldn’t be a felony. This feels like a political takedown because he’s an outsider to the old guard."

Reverend Evelyn Pratt, 62, community advocate: "The alleged victims are the focus for me. This isn't about private morality; it's about power, coercion, and the terrifying abuse of a uniform. When the very person meant to protect you becomes the source of fear, the system has failed."

The case is ongoing, with pre-trial motions expected in the coming months.