MONTPELIER — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is turning up the heat on Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer, saying the embattled lawman should resign as he faces a growing list of sex-crime-related charges.

Scott’s blunt message came one day after all 19 Windsor County lawmakers went public with a letter urging Palmer to step away from his duties while the criminal case plays out.

“From what I’ve seen and read, he’s lost the trust of folks in Windsor County, and he should step down,” Scott said at his weekly Wednesday press conference.

Not Guilty Plea — But the Charges Are Serious

Palmer pleaded not guilty last week to seven charges, including:

• Lewd and lascivious conduct
• Two counts of soliciting prostitution
• Two counts of aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon
• Two counts of obstructing justice

According to police affidavits, three women told investigators Palmer paid to watch them perform sex acts—either in person or online. After contact ended, he allegedly stalked them, including driving by in his cruiser, the affidavits say.

“I’m Not Resigning,” Palmer Said — But He’s Not Running the Office

After his arraignment, Palmer told reporters he would not resign, but said he would hand off day-to-day operations to Windsor County High Bailiff Claude Weyant.

A patrol officer in the sheriff’s office, Anthony Leonard, confirmed Wednesday that Weyant has been running department operations since Palmer was charged. Leonard said Weyant previously served as chief deputy before being elected high bailiff.

Lawmakers: Step Aside — Hand Over Power — Stay Out of the Money

In their letter, Windsor County lawmakers didn’t explicitly demand resignation, noting the case is still an open legal matter. But they warned the allegations are shaking public confidence.

“The community’s faith in its public servant, and by extension its public safety, is in jeopardy while these allegations loom,” the bipartisan group wrote.

Their requests included:

• Palmer should temporarily step aside from active duties as sheriff
• He should hand over full operational authority (law enforcement + administrative work) to someone else
• He should remove himself from financial decision-making, including budgeting and payroll

Investigation Started With Money Questions

State police said the sexual-misconduct allegations emerged while they were investigating possible mismanagement of funds in the sheriff’s office.

Authorities have also pointed to allegations that Palmer fell behind on legally required paperwork, including delays—sometimes over a year—in filing appointment documents for deputies, according to the Valley News.

No Comment From Palmer

Palmer did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment Wednesday morning.