Press Releases

**PRESS RELEASE**

INCIDENT: 24RUC001706
DATE: June 8th, 2024 at 2201 hours
LOCATION: Exit 6 / Boardman Hill Road - West Rutland, VT

ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Joseph H. Fredette
AGE: 34
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
CHARGES: (DUI #2) Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol 2nd Offense - Title 23 VSA 1201

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, Corporal Ricketts observed a vehicle traveling on Main Street in the Town of West Rutland with an equipment violation. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and the operator was identified as Joseph H. Fredette of Rutland, VT. While speaking with Fredette, Corporal Ricketts observed several indicators of impairment from Fredette and as a result he was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests which he failed to perform satisfactorily.

Fredette was placed under arrest and was transported to the Rutland City Police Department for processing. Subsequent investigation revealed that Fredette had previously been convicted of DUI in Vermont. Fredette was later released to a sober adult on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on June 24th, 2024 at 1000 hours to answer to the charge of DUI #2. Fredette's vehicle was towed from the scene by Carrara's Towing.

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**PRESS RELEASE**

INCIDENT: 24RUC001669
DATE: June 4th, 2024 at 2108 Hours
LOCATION: VT Route 3 / Loop Street - Proctor, VT

ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Chyenne M. Giddings
AGE: 22
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
CHARGES:
Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer - Title 23 VSA 1133
Grossly Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle - Title 23 VSA 1091b
Excessive Speed - Title 23 VSA 1097

DESCRIPTION: On June 4th, 2024 at 2108 hours, Corporal Ricketts observed a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit on Route 3 in the Town of Proctor. As a result a traffic stop was attempted but the vehicle fled and a pursuit ensued reaching speeds of over 100 MPH. Corporal Ricketts discontinued the pursuit prior to entering Proctor Village for the public's safety.

Subsequent investigation, led Corporal Ricketts to Chyenne M. Giddings of Rutland, VT. While interviewing Giddings, she admitted fully to the pursuit and her involvement.

On June 7th, 2024 at approximately 2100 hours, Giddings turned herself in at the Rutland County Sheriff's Department. When Giddings arrived, she was placed under arrest and was processed for several charges. Giddings was later released on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on July 29th, 2024 at 1000 hours to answer to the charges of Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer, Grossly Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Excessive Speed.

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**PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: 24RUC001659
DATE: June 3rd 2024 at 2112 Hours
LOCATION: West Street / Ripley Road - Rutland, VT / Business Route 4 - West Rutland, VT
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Skylee A. Chandler
AGE: 22
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Wallingford, VT
CHARGES: Excessive Speed - Title 23 VSA 1097
Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle - Title 23 VSA 1091

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, Corporal Ricketts observed a vehicle traveling at speeds between 80 MPH and 90 MPH on West Street in Rutland City while passing another vehicle in a 30 MPH speed zone near Ripley Road. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and the operator was identified as Skylee A. Chandler of Wallingford, VT. Chandler was placed under arrest and was transported to the Rutland County Sheriff's Department for processing. Chandler was later released on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on July 15th 2024 at 1000 hours to answer to the charges of Excessive Speed and Negligent Operation.

In addition, The vehicle that Chandler was operating was towed from the scene and the license plates were seized. Chandler will be issued various traffic tickets in addition.

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**PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: 24RUC001550
DATE: 05/25/24 @ 2355 hours
LOCATION: Middle Road/ Route 7, Clarendon Vermont
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Justin Cram - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

***** Update to Original Post ****

DEFENDANT: Randy J. Duprey
AGE:46
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland VT
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Fentanyl Trafficking

DEFENDANT: Jessica L. Terry
AGE:44
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland VT
CHARGES: Possession of Cocaine, Fentanyl Trafficking

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, the Rutland County Sheriff's Department conducted a traffic stop for several observed traffic infractions. As a result of this stop, several indicators of narcotics were observed and located inside the vehicle. Several belongings were seized due to such, and a Search warrant was requested for the items. On 5/28/24 The honorable court approved the search warrant, and the search was conducted per the order. During the search, Cpl. Cram, along with other deputies from the Rutland County Sheriff’s office, located and seized several bags of Crack Cocaine, Powder Cocaine, and a container of Fentanyl along with other drug related items. On 6/2/2024 Both defendants came into the Rutland County Sheriffs and were taken into custody and released on citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division at a later date to answer to the above listed charges.


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**PRESS RELEASE**

INCIDENT: 24RUC001550
DATE: 05/25/2024 @ 2355 hours
LOCATION: Route 7 / Middle Road Clarendon Vermont
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Justin Cram - Rutland County Sheriff's Department
DEFENDANT: Randy Duprey
AGE: 46
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
CHARGES: Operation on Criminally Suspended License (DLS) 23 VSA 674

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, the Rutland County Sheriff's Department was conducting patrol in the Town of Wallingford, Vermont. At which time a vehicle was observed traveling North bound toward the Clarendon town line. The vehicle was observed committing several traffic infractions and as a result a traffic stop was initiated by Cpl. Cram. The operator was identified as Randy Duprey of Rutland, Vermont. A check of Duprey’s operators license revealed his privilege to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Vermont, was under criminal suspension. Duprey was also found to have an active warrant for cocaine possession and another charge of driving suspended. Duprey’s vehicle was towed from the scene and Duprey was taken into custody by Cpl. Cram and transported to the Marble Valley Correctional facility where he was lodged for his active warrant. Duprey was also issued citations for the violation of driving on a criminally suspended license as well as several traffic tickets.

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**PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: 24RUC001435
DATE: May 15th 2024 at 1849 hours
LOCATION: Market 32 Supermarket - West Rutland, VT
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Juvenile
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: West Rutland, VT
CHARGES: Simple Assault - Title 13 VSA 1023

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, deputies from the Rutland County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to a reported assault that had occurred at the Market 32 Supermarket in the Town of West Rutland. Subsequent investigation revealed that a juvenile menaced another juvenile with bodily injury. The juvenile was later arrested and released on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Family Division to the charge of Simple Assault.

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**PRESS RELEASE**

INCIDENT: 24RUC001550
DATE: 05/25/2024 @ 2355 hours
LOCATION: Route 7 / Middle Road Clarendon Vermont
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Justin Cram - Rutland County Sheriff's Department
DEFENDANT: Randy Duprey
AGE: 46
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
CHARGES: Operation on Criminally Suspended License (DLS) 23 VSA 674

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, the Rutland County Sheriff's Department was conducting patrol in the Town of Wallingford, Vermont. At which time a vehicle was observed traveling North bound toward the Clarendon town line. The vehicle was observed committing several traffic infractions and as a result a traffic stop was initiated by Cpl. Cram. The operator was identified as Randy Duprey of Rutland, Vermont. A check of Duprey’s operators license revealed his privilege to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Vermont, was under criminal suspension. Duprey was also found to have an active warrant for cocaine possession and another charge of driving suspended. Duprey’s vehicle was towed from the scene and Duprey was taken into custody by Cpl. Cram and transported to the Marble Valley Correctional facility where he was lodged for his active warrant. Duprey was also issued citations for the violation of driving on a criminally suspended license as well as several traffic tickets.

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**PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: 24RUC001553
DATE: May 26th, 2024 at 1719 hours
LOCATION: Route 133 / Clarendon Reformed Bible Church - Clarendon, VT
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Katy M. Kessop
AGE: 41
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
INJURIES: None, refused medical treatment
CHARGES: Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle - Title 23 VSA 1091

VEHICLE: 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
DAMAGE: Front end damage

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, Corporal Ricketts, Corporal Cram and Deputy Flynn were dispatched to a report of a vehicle that had crashed into the Reformed Bible Church in the Town of Clarendon.

Upon arrival, The operator of the vehicle was identified as Katy M. Kessop of Rutland, VT.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Kessop was traveling North on Walker Mountain Road when she failed to stop at a posted stop sign before entering onto Route 133. Kessop entered the church parking lot at a high rate of speed as a result crashing into the church causing severe building damage.

Investigation revealed that Kessop operated the vehicle negligently which resulted in a crash and as a result Kessop was placed under arrest and was later released on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on July 29th 2024 at 1000 hours to answer to the charge of Negligent of Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

Kessop's vehicle was towed from the scene by Cararra's Towing. The Rutland County Sheriff's Department was assisted on scene by the Clarendon Fire Department and Regional Ambulance Service.

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**PRESS RELEASE**
INCIDENT: 24RUC001541
DATE: May 24th 2024 at 1959 hours
LOCATION: 88 Grove Street - Rutland, VT / 495 Main Street - West Rutland, VT
ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Ronald E. Viggue
AGE: 65
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: West Rutland, VT
CHARGES: Disorderly Conduct by Phone or Electronic Communication - Title 13 VSA 1027
Violation of Conditions of Release - Title 13 VSA 7559

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, a phone call was received by the Rutland County Sheriff's Department from Ronald Viggue, during the phone call, Viggue appeared intoxicated and made several disorderly statements to the dispatcher. Viggue is known to be under court ordered conditions of release not to possess or consume alcohol.

As a result, Corporal Ricketts and Sergeant Herrick responded to the residence of Viggue located at 495 Main Street in the Town of West Rutland. Viggue refused to open the door. Corporal Ricketts applied for a search warrant which was granted by a criminal court judge. Viggue was located inside his residence shortly after and was placed under arrest. Viggue was determined to be intoxicated. In addition, evidence of Viggue violating his conditions of release was also found inside of his residence.

Viggue was transported to the Rutland County Sheriff's Department for processing and was later transferred to the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility where he was lodged on bail. Viggue will appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on May 28th 2024 at 1230 hours to answer to the above mentioned charges.

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**We are hiring both FULL-TIME and PART-TIME Deputies**

The Rutland County Sheriff’s Department is seeking energetic, positive-thinking, service-oriented individuals with a strong desire to provide quality police services as a full-time Deputy. The right candidate will have a rewarding career that combines an excellent work environment and hands on work in the surrounding communities.

The Rutland County Sheriff's Department participates in special units such as Governors Highway Safety, Drug Recognition Program, Patrols in the surrounding communities, traffic, and court details.
• 40 Hours per week, 8 or 12 hour shifts with the opportunity for overtime.
• Some weekend, holiday and night shifts are required (Holiday shifts paid at overtime rate).
• Full benefits including health, 401K, dental, vision, vacation, and sick time.

NOTICE: Preference shall be given to Vermont certified officers. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Please contact the Rutland County Sheriff's Department our visit our website at rutlandsheriff.net to retrieve an application.

If interested, please apply online or send your résumé/application to:
Rutland County Sheriff’s Department
ATTN: Sgt. Benjamin Herrick
88 Grove Street
Rutland, VT 05701

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**PRESS RELEASE**

INCIDENT: 24RUC000573
DATE: February 11th 2024 at 1958 Hours
LOCATION: Middle Road / Mill River Union High School - Clarendon, VT

ARRESTING OFFICER: Corporal Gregory Ricketts - Rutland County Sheriff's Department

DEFENDANT: Sarah M. Andrews
AGE: 33
CITY & STATE OF RESIDENCE: Clarendon, VT

CHARGES:
(DUI) Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol - Title 23 VSA 1201
Grossly Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle - Title 23 VSA 1091b
Excessive Speed - Title 23 VSA 1097
Reckless Endangerment - Title 13 VSA 1025

DESCRIPTION: On the above date and time, Corporal Ricketts observed a vehicle traveling at 71 MPH in a 40 MPH zone, while also failing to maintain its lane on Middle Road in the Town of Clarendon. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and the operator was identified as Sarah M. Andrews of Clarendon, VT. At this time, Corporal Ricketts observed that Andrews had her two juvenile children inside the vehicle with her.

While speaking with Andrews, Corporal Ricketts observed several indicators of impairment from Andrews and as a result she was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests which she failed to perform satisfactorily. Andrews then provided a roadside breath test in excess of two times the legal limit of alcohol in the State of Vermont. Andrews was placed under arrest and was transported to the Rutland City Police Department for processing where she provided an evidentiary breath sample above the legal limit of alcohol in the State of Vermont. Andrews was later released to a sober adult on a citation to appear at the Rutland Superior Court - Criminal Division on February 26th 2024 at 1000 hours to answer to the charges of DUI, Grossly Negligent Operation, Excessive Speed and Reckless Endangerment. The juvenile children were later turned over to a responsible adult.

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