A Vermont sheriff is facing the declaration of a second mistrial in connection with allegations of assault after an incident involving a shackled detainee occurred while he served as a captain. On Monday, a judge announced that the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict following the conclusion of the second trial for Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore, which had commenced a week earlier in Grand Isle County. The jury had deliberated for three days before informing the court that they could not come to an agreement.
In response to the outcome, Grismore expressed his gratitude towards the jurors who persevered in their beliefs but also voiced his frustration over the inability to achieve a clear innocent verdict. Through an email, he commented on the extensive resources and time invested in this case.
The county prosecutor has not yet publicly commented on the latest development in the case. Notably, Grismore was elected as sheriff in November 2022, shortly after he was dismissed from his role as captain in the sheriff’s department due to the emergence of video evidence showing him kicking a restrained detainee. He has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charge of simple assault.
The troubling video captures an incident where a shackled man, who was also handcuffed, refuses to remain seated while being detained at the sheriff’s office. As the video shows, Grismore, casually dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, kicks the detainee in the groin twice after the man stands up, despite being restrained.
Following his election campaign, in which he was the sole candidate after winning both Republican and Democratic nominations in the August primary of 2022, Grismore faced further scrutiny. In December 2023, a review by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council concluded that he had breached the state’s use of force regulations. With a significant majority vote of 15-1, the council recommended that he permanently lose his law enforcement certification, barring him from fulfilling police duties in Vermont.
Four months later, a special legislative committee advised against impeaching Grismore but highlighted that his continuation in office was a disservice to the community, directly suggesting he resign. In light of these recommendations, Grismore expressed his disappointment regarding the resources expended on this contentious process, asserting that he had no intention of stepping down. He felt vindicated by the support he received from Franklin County voters and community members who backed his continued role as sheriff.
