[A] Vermont Department of Corrections employee working at the state’s only facility for women has been arrested for sexual assault and procuring prostitution, though it’s unclear at this point where those crimes allegedly occurred.
The Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations said in a press release Wednesday night that the arrest of Christopher Rich occurred on Tuesday in South Burlington, where the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility is located.
“Mr. Rich was arrested for the crimes of sexual assault, simple assault and solicitation/procuring prostitution,” the statement said.
Rich faces prison time and fines of up to $26,100 if convicted of the crimes. Sexual assault is punishable from three years to life in prison, while solicitation/procuring prostitution and simple assault are no more than a year in prison each.
The Colchester Police Department received a report of sexual assault on Sunday night, it added, and reported it to the countywide unit.
Rich’s name is listed on the state’s employee directory, but there is no contact information listed alongside it.
Detective Cassandra Ellison, who investigated the case, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Corrections Commissioner Mike Touchette referred questions to Valerie Nikel, a human resources official, who did not immediately respond to emailed questions.
The police statement did not say what Rich’s job was at the facility.
It said that Rich was lodged at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in Swanton before posting $25,000 bail.
Rich was arraigned Wednesday morning in Franklin County Criminal Court and released on conditions, it added.
