Vermont Sheriff John Grismore’s new assault trial begins this week – NECN

Jury selection is set to begin in the second trial of a Vermont County sheriff accused of attacking a handcuffed man in 2022, WPTZ reports.

Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore has been charged with simple assault for kicking a handcuffed inmate in 2022, when he was a department captain. In July, a jury could not reach a unanimous decision in his case.

Grismore, taking the stand in his own defense, argued the force was not excessive and was within the scope of his training. He argued that he pushed the handcuffed prisoner to the ground with his foot to prevent him from falling.

Grismore and his attorney declined an interview request from WPTZ, but told the station they were “optimistic that we will have a positive outcome.”

Grismore was elected sheriff in November 2022, a few months after he was fired from his post as captain of the sheriff’s department for kicking the prisoner. He pleaded not guilty to simple assault.

Grismore was the only candidate on the ballot after winning both the Republican and Democratic nominations in the August 9, 2022 primary election. Shortly before he took office in February 2023, state police said they were investigating the finances of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Grismore.

In December, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council found he had violated the state’s use of force policy and voted 15-1 to permanently lose his law enforcement certification, meaning he cannot enforce the law in Vermont.

In April, a special legislative committee voted against impeaching Grismore but said the sheriff would be doing a disservice by remaining in office.

The new trial is expected to begin on Tuesday, after the jury draw on Monday.