Vermont Senator Williams Arraigned on Domestic Assault Charge

State Sen. Terry Williams was arraigned Wednesday on a domestic assault charge after Vermont State Police investigated an incident at his Poultney home. Williams, 74, a Republican representing Rutland County, entered a not guilty plea. He was released on $500 bail after being processed at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility.

Troopers arrived at Williams' home at about 5:40 p.m. Tuesday after a report of a domestic assault there the previous day. Vermont State Police said its investigation found probable cause that Williams "had caused pain and injury to a household member." He was taken into custody that evening.

The arraignment came less than a week before Election Day. Williams, first elected to the legislature in 2022, is seeking reelection in Rutland County.

According to a police affidavit, Williams' 47-year-old daughter told a state trooper that her father struck her in the face with an open hand Monday night during an argument over a "moldy bale of hay." She said Williams called her "a miserable woman" and told her he "should have punched you 40 years ago." She told police she believed her father had been drinking.

After the altercation, the daughter went to her brother's house next door. The brother reported seeing a scratch on her left cheek. He then spoke with their father, who said the scratch came from the "scuffle" of the argument. The daughter had been living with her father and told police this was the first time he had physically assaulted her.

Williams gave police a different account. He confirmed an argument "about pallets in the horse barn" and other issues. Williams said he raised his left hand after his daughter moved toward him and made contact with her face inadvertently. An officer observed that Williams' finger was swollen. He told the officer he did not believe his daughter had scratches when she left the house.

Williams serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and sits on the Senate Education Committee. His legislative biography lists prior work as an automotive technician and game warden, plus service in the Vermont Air National Guard and U.S. military. He is a member of the National Rifle Association and Gun Owners of Vermont, and is divorced.

Earlier this year, Williams introduced legislation that would have let lawmakers carry concealed handguns in the Statehouse after completing a firearms safety and training class. He is one of three Republican senators in Rutland County seeking reelection, facing a challenge from David Wolk, an independent who previously served in the state senate as a Democrat and was president of the former Castleton University, now part of Vermont State University.

Gov. Phil Scott has endorsed Williams and fellow Republican incumbents David Weeks and Brian Collamore. Scott's spokesperson, Amanda Wheeler, said the governor "was completely surprised and troubled" after learning of the arrest. "He takes domestic violence very seriously and has no tolerance for that type of behavior," Wheeler said in a statement. "He will assess the situation further once additional details are available." A conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 18 months and a fine of $5,000.