Two Mistrials Lead to Case Dismissal
Prosecutors have dropped a simple assault charge against Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore after two mistrials, ending a case in which he was accused of kicking a shackled detainee in the groin. A second mistrial was declared on October 7, following a deadlocked jury, just as in the first trial in July.
Grand Isle State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito, who reviewed the case after the mistrials, announced on Monday that he had decided not to pursue a third trial. “After careful consideration, I determined that another trial is not in the public interest,” DiSabito said in a statement. “The case is now closed.”
Incident and Legal Proceedings
Grismore, who was a captain with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department at the time of the incident, was charged with simple assault after allegedly kicking a detainee, Jeremy Burroughs, twice in the groin while Burroughs was restrained. The incident occurred while Grismore was supervising the detainee.
In December 2023, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council ruled that Grismore had violated the state’s use of force policy. The council voted 15-1 to revoke his law enforcement certification permanently, effectively barring him from serving as a law enforcement officer in Vermont.
Case Closure and Grismore’s Response
Prosecutor DiSabito suggested that, had the council not revoked Grismore’s certification, he would have likely pursued a third trial. However, given that action, the case was deemed no longer necessary to continue.
Grismore expressed relief after the case was dismissed. “I am deeply grateful to have emerged from this challenging period,” he said in an emailed statement, crediting his faith, family, friends, and legal team for their support.
Attempts to contact the detainee, Jeremy Burroughs, were unsuccessful.
