The Attorney General’s Office announced that Payton Stearns, 25, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, was arraigned today on one felony count of aggravated sexual assault and two felony counts of sexual assault. The charges brought against Mr. Stearns are the result of a criminal investigation by the Thetford Police Department.
Mr. Stearns allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim without her consent on two occasions in 2024, with each occasion being the basis for a sexual assault count. The aggravated sexual assault count is based on the repeated nonconsensual sexual acts being part of a common scheme or plan.
Mr. Stearns pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Orange Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Daniel Richardson presiding, ordered conditions of release prohibiting Mr. Stearns from contacting the victim and requiring him to notify his employer and commanding officer in the National Guard of the criminal case against him.
The Attorney General’s Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, 802-828-3171