Sheriff John Grismore on Trial Again for 2022 Assault Incident
Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore went on trial Monday for the second time on a simple assault charge stemming from an incident in 2022. Grismore is accused of kicking a shackled detainee twice in the groin while serving as a captain in the sheriff’s department. This retrial comes after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision during his first trial in July, leading to a mistrial.
Mistrial and Deadlocked Jury
In July, the jury deliberated for four hours before informing the judge they were deadlocked and could not come to a unanimous verdict. Following the mistrial, Grismore expressed disappointment, stating that he had hoped for an acquittal. Ahead of his second trial, which began with jury selection on Monday, Grismore declined to comment.
Incident Caught on Video
The charges against Grismore stem from an August 2022 incident in which a video showed him kicking a handcuffed and shackled detainee at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. According to the footage, the detainee refused to remain seated on a bench, prompting Grismore, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, to kick the man in the groin. When the detainee stood up again, Grismore kicked him a second time.
Fired and Elected Sheriff
Despite the video and the charges against him, Grismore was elected Franklin County Sheriff in November 2022. He had previously been fired from his role as captain in the sheriff’s department after the video of the incident surfaced. Grismore won the sheriff’s race after securing both the Republican and Democratic nominations during the August 2022 primary, and he pleaded not guilty to the simple assault charge.
Law Enforcement Certification Revoked
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 permanently revoke his law enforcement certification, rendering him unable to enforce the law in Vermont. This decision was a major blow to Grismore’s law enforcement career, even as he continued to hold the sheriff’s position.
Calls for Resignation Amid Controversy
A special legislative committee convened in 2024 to evaluate whether Grismore should be impeached. While the committee ultimately recommended against impeachment, it concluded that Grismore was doing a disservice to Franklin County by remaining in office and urged him to resign. Grismore, however, stood firm, refusing to step down and expressing disappointment at the time and money spent on the investigation.
In response, Grismore stated that he was “pleased that Franklin County voters and residents who have supported him have been vindicated.” He continues to serve as sheriff despite losing his law enforcement credentials and facing ongoing legal challenges.
