A Vermont sheriff is refusing to resign after he was arrested for sexually abusing a woman who he had a relationship with, Law&Crime reports.
After a court appearance this Tuesday, Addison County Sheriff Peter Newton, 50, was asked by WPTZ if he’d resign his position in light of the charges. “I’m still then sheriff,” he replied.
Although he’s been released on $100,000 bond, Newton is not allowed to perform any law enforcement-related duties while the charges are pending. He’s been charged with two counts of sexual assault, and a count each of unlawful restrain and domestic assault.
According to authorities, Newton went “too far” during sexual encounters with the victim, leaving her with pain and bruises. He also threatened her and told her no one would believe her if she went public.
“[Newton is] above anyone, I’m afraid,” the victim told police. “He has access to these guns. He’s a predator. This is someone who abuses their power, their position[.] It’s not just him, it’s the entire sheriff’s department because they knew he used his position to get women. They knew that.”
Read the full report over at Law&Crime.
