NORTH HERO, Vt. — Deliberations in the retrial of Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore on a misdemeanor assault charge will continue into next week, following a day and a half of unresolved jury discussions. The charge stems from an incident where Grismore was accused of kicking a shackled inmate in 2022.
The jury faced a stumbling block that led to the adjournment for the weekend. According to Judge Samuel Hoar, the deliberation was hampered by a juror who refused to adhere to legal instructions provided. This led to the judge’s stern admonition, cautioning that disregarding these instructions could lead to juror misconduct and potentially a mistrial.
Sheriff Grismore, who was a captain at the time of the incident, allegedly kicked inmate Jeremey Burrows, who was restrained. Prosecutors labeled the act as simple assault, arguing that Grismore was out of uniform and had alternatives to manage the situation. On the other hand, Grismore defended his actions, claiming he intervened to aid less experienced officers in managing a difficult situation.
The case against Grismore first came to court earlier this year but ended in a mistrial during the summer after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision. In that instance, deliberations lasted just four hours before it was declared that the jurors were deadlocked.
The retrial has drawn attention not only for its implications for law enforcement conduct but also for the procedural challenges it presents. If this jury fails to reach a consensus, the court might face the prospect of convening a new jury altogether, which could further prolong the legal proceedings.
Legal experts highlight that cases involving law enforcement officials are often complex, given their roles in enforcing the law and the expectations placed upon their conduct. The outcome of this trial could send a significant message regarding accountability and the standards to which officers are held.
Community members have expressed varying opinions on the matter, with some arguing that law enforcement officers often face difficult decisions in high-stress environments, while others call for stricter accountability for any misuse of power, particularly involving physical actions against inmates or suspects in custody.
As the community and legal observers await the jury’s decision, the broader implications of the case continue to provoke discussion about power, responsibility, and justice in law enforcement. The continuation of deliberations on Monday marks another chapter in a case that not only challenges the local legal framework but also reflects on wider issues of criminal justice and law enforcement integrity.