Windsor County's sheriff faces 12 sex-crime and stalking charges and refuses to resign
Vermont State Police began investigating finances at the Windsor County Sheriff's Department in July 2025; the probe led to charges against Sheriff Ryan Palmer. In January 2026 he pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including lewd and lascivious conduct, soliciting prostitution, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon and obstruction of justice, based on accounts from three women who said he paid them to watch him perform sex acts and later drove by them in his cruiser after they cut off contact. In April, two more women came forward and he faced five more charges, for 12 in total. A state oversight panel temporarily suspended his law enforcement credentials, and a judge said he lacked authority to make him surrender them. Palmer said he would not resign and handed daily operations to High Bailiff Claude Weyant. He is not seeking reelection; his term runs through January 2027.
Palmer, speaking to reporters after the hearing, maintained his innocence and said he would not be resigning from his sheriff’s post.
He has refused to step down as sheriff, though a state oversight panel temporarily suspended his law enforcement credentials while the case is pending.
Palmer has pleaded not guilty to several charges related to alleged sexual misconduct.
Palmer maintains his innocence, calls it his personal life, and says he will not resign.
Not yet contacted for this story.
No outcome recorded yet.