Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer has been taken into custody due to several allegations of sexual misconduct, stemming from a comprehensive investigation that commenced in July. The Vermont State Police executed the arrest on Tuesday after a series of reports came in concerning the sheriff’s actions, including how he handled financial matters.

During the investigation, new information surfaced, leading to additional claims of inappropriate behavior and the identification of multiple victims. Following his arrest, Palmer was released with specific conditions and is scheduled to appear in court in Rutland on Tuesday. He is facing a variety of charges which include solicitation of prostitution, lewd and lascivious conduct, and aggravated stalking with a weapon.

Palmer, who hails from Windsor, secured the sheriff position in November 2022 at the age of 37, following an 18-year career in law enforcement. Under his leadership, the sheriff’s department has seen its personnel numbers double, contrasting with staffing challenges faced by other agencies in the region.

In 2014, Palmer was involved in a case concerning non-deadly force in Windsor, which marked an uncommon trial involving a police officer in Vermont; he was ultimately acquitted of all charges.