Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer, 39, was arrested on Jan. 27 and now faces multiple criminal charges stemming from allegations that he paid women to watch sexual acts and then stalked them after they cut off contact, authorities and local media report.
Palmer pleaded not guilty the day after his arrest to seven counts, including felony lewd and lascivious conduct, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon and obstruction of justice, as well as misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution. He was released on conditions that require him to surrender any firearms and avoid contact with the alleged victims, according to court filings cited by local outlets.
Allegations and Investigation
According to court records and reporting from Vermont Public, Valley News, Seven Days and WCAX, at least three women told investigators Palmer paid them to watch him masturbate in person and during video calls; one woman alleged she was paid for sex. The records describe unsolicited cash payments and explicit messages that followed initial encounters in professional or community settings.
Two women said that after they stopped responding to Palmer, he allegedly began driving by their homes or appearing at their workplaces in his sheriff's cruiser. In one reported incident, an alleged victim told investigators Palmer confronted her in a parking lot while on duty — a circumstance prosecutors say elevated the conduct to aggravated stalking. Other records indicate Palmer allegedly asked a woman to omit his name after she consulted an attorney, and that he sent money to a witness who knew of his behavior.
"This is precisely why abuse of a public position of trust is so insidious," Bennington County Deputy State’s Attorney Jared Bianchi said in court, as cited in reporting.
Agency Response and Political Fallout
The probe began last summer after Vermont State Police received anonymous tips about possible financial mismanagement at the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office. During that inquiry, investigators reported receiving information alleging sexual misconduct and identified multiple victims who provided statements and evidence, according to a Vermont State Police press release cited by outlets.
After Palmer’s arrest, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council unanimously suspended his law enforcement certification, barring him from patrol duties and criminal investigations while the case is pending. In a public statement, Gov. Phil Scott said Palmer had "lost the trust of folks in Windsor County" and urged him to resign.
Palmer has denied criminal wrongdoing, characterizing the allegations as matters of his "personal life." His attorney, Dan Sedon, has said the claims involve private conduct between consenting adults, according to WCAX. Palmer — who was elected sheriff in 2022 — said he will step back from day-to-day operations but does not intend to resign. Deputy Captain Claude Weyant will assume daily operational duties during the legal process.
Legal Status and Next Steps
Palmer has pleaded not guilty and the case remains pending in court. Vermont law provides that sheriffs can only be removed from office through impeachment, a rarely used legislative procedure.
The allegations have drawn significant public attention and statements from state officials. As the criminal case proceeds, investigators and prosecutors will continue to gather and present evidence in court.
Sources: Vermont Public, Valley News, Seven Days, WCAX and local court records, as reported by PEOPLE and other outlets.
