Vermont sheriff faces second trial for assaulting detainee in shackles

The trial of Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore commenced on Monday, presenting the sheriff for the second time on a charge of simple assault for allegedly kicking a shackled detainee twice in the groin in 2022. The previous trial resulted in a mistrial declared by a judge in July due to the jury's inability to reach a unanimous decision after four hours of deliberation.

Grismore, who was a captain in the sheriff's department at the time of the incident, found himself at the center of controversy when video footage surfaced showing him kicking the detainee. The incident occurred when the man, who was handcuffed and shackled, refused to stay seated on a bench while being detained at the sheriff's office. Dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, Grismore was seen kicking the man in the groin and subsequently kicking him a second time when he stood up again. In light of the incident, Grismore was terminated from his position as captain in the sheriff's department.

Grismore's Political Ascendancy

Despite the allegations against him, Grismore, in a surprising turn of events, was elected as Vermont's sheriff in November 2022. Notably, he was the only candidate on the ballot after winning both the Republican and Democratic nominations in the Aug. 9, 2022, primary. This unexpected political ascent took place scant months after he was publicly dismissed from his previous role due to the troubling incident.

Consequences and Recommendations

In a significant blow to Grismore's law enforcement credentials, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council found him in violation of the state's use of force policy. In December 2023, the council voted 15-1 in favor of permanently revoking his law enforcement certification, effectively barring him from enforcing the law within the state of Vermont.

The revelations prompted a response from a special legislative committee, which, four months later, recommended against impeaching Grismore. However, they expressed the sentiment that he was doing a disservice by remaining in office and urged him to step down. Grismore, in turn, expressed his disappointment at the perceived waste of time and resources, opting against resignation while expressing gratitude towards his supporters in Franklin County.