Attorney General Clark Refers Newfane Use-of-Force Case to Court Diversion

The Attorney General's Office today announced an update in the State's case against Vermont State Police Sergeant Ryan Wood, 37, and Trooper Zachary Trocki, 30. In May of 2023, Sergeant Wood and Officer Trocki were each charged with one misdemeanor count of Reckless Endangerment in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division. The charges were based on the non-lethal use of force involving the deployment of a bean bag and a man falling off of a roof on June 17, 2022, in Newfane, Vermont. The parties have agreed to a referral of the case to Court Diversion. This referral is supported by the victim and is based on the defendants' willingness to take responsibility for their actions and to engage in a restorative process to address the harm related to their conduct.

In response to today's case update, Attorney General Charity Clark issued the following statement:

"Court Diversion follows a restorative justice model that I value highly. In this case, it is my hope that this referral will allow the victim, the police officers, and the community to heal and move forward together. Through a restorative justice process, people take responsibility for their actions and discuss with the victim and the community how to repair the harm caused. Court Diversion is an integral part of our justice system, and 20 percent of Vermont's misdemeanor cases are referred to Court Diversion. I am pleased with this outcome."

Once notice is provided to the Court of a Diversion referral, the matter becomes confidential, pursuant to 3 V.S.A. § 164 (e)(1). Due to public interest in this case, the Attorney General's Office is issuing this press release announcing the referral; the Office, however, will not be commenting further at this time.

CONTACT: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171