Vermont State Police say Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer, 39, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct following a lengthy investigation. The inquiry, which began in July 2025, stemmed from anonymous tips regarding potential financial misconduct within the sheriff’s office and allegations of sexual misconduct against Palmer, a resident of Windsor.
According to police, the investigation has led to new charges including solicitation of prostitution and lewd and lascivious conduct. These allegations indicate that Palmer allegedly paid a woman for sex on several occasions and sent unsolicited sexual material to another woman. Following the submission of a new affidavit to the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, which is overseeing the prosecution, Palmer was taken into custody on January 27, 2026.
He was released under conditions that include a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Palmer is scheduled to be arraigned at 12:30 p.m. on January 28, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland. The investigation remains ongoing, and police encourage anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Vermont State Police in Derby.
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Source: Vermont State Police
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Source: Vermont State Police ↗
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All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.

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