Rutland Senator Enters Not Guilty Plea in Domestic Assault Case

Sen. Terry Williams of Poultney pleaded not guilty Wednesday afternoon to a misdemeanor domestic assault charge after Vermont State Police say he struck a family member in the face during an argument at his home. Williams, 74, a two-term Republican representing the three-seat Rutland County district, was arrested, jailed and later released on a $500 bond.

The alleged incident took place Monday evening in the kitchen of Williams' Poultney home, according to a police affidavit. Vermont State Police Trooper Caden Lockwood interviewed the victim Tuesday evening and reported she had a “reddish colored abrasion starting at her left eyelid and down her face to her cheek.” The victim told Lockwood she was struck with what she believed was an open hand.

According to the affidavit, the victim first contacted police approximately 24 hours after the alleged assault. She told officers the dispute began over “pallets in the horse barn” and escalated into a “shouting argument” after she tried to apologize for a bale of moldy hay. Williams told troopers the argument escalated further when he said he wanted her to move out of the residence.

Williams denied the charge in Vermont District Court in Rutland City on Wednesday. His lawyer, Toni Dutil, spoke to media after the hearing while Williams stood silently beside her with two family members. “Sen. Williams is not guilty of the alleged offense. We look forward to defending this charge vigorously,” Dutil said. She added that “family dynamics can be complicated, and despite Sen. Williams' position, he is not immune to that reality.” Williams did not answer reporters' questions.

Windsor County State's Attorney Ward Goodenough, who is prosecuting the case, asked Judge Alexander Burke to condition Williams' release on him abstaining from alcohol. The alleged victim told police she believed Williams, a farmer, had consumed alcohol before the incident. Burke denied the request, saying “there's no indication from the trooper that Mr. Williams was otherwise impaired.” The judge struck Williams' bond and released him on conditions barring contact with the alleged victim or witnesses in the case.

Gov. Phil Scott endorsed Williams' reelection bid in an Oct. 19 Facebook post by A Stronger Vermont, a super PAC funded by the Republican Governors Association. Emma Shouldice, spokesperson for the Scott campaign, said the governor “was completely surprised and troubled after learning this news” and “takes domestic violence very seriously.” Asked whether the endorsement would be withdrawn, Shouldice said, “He will assess the situation further once additional details are available.”

Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck issued a written statement Wednesday saying Senate Republicans know of Williams' arrest but “will make no comment at this time.” Vermont Republican Party Chair Paul Dame also declined to comment Wednesday morning.

The case is scheduled to continue in Vermont District Court in Rutland City.