West Rutland, VT – A late-night vehicle stop at a posted recreation area in Rutland County led to drug and motor vehicle charges against a local man, according to authorities.
According to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Thursday night at approximately 10:36 p.m. at the West Rutland Recreation Center. Deputies observed a vehicle entering the area, which is clearly marked as no trespassing from dusk to dawn, prompting an investigative stop.
The operator was identified as Joseph E. Richardson, 31, of Rutland, Vermont. A records check revealed Richardson’s driver’s license was allegedly under criminal suspension, authorities said.
Further investigation during the stop allegedly uncovered crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia in Richardson’s possession, according to the sheriff’s office. Richardson was taken into custody by Corporal Gregory Ricketts and transported to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department for processing.
Richardson was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a criminally suspended license, a violation of Title 23 VSA 674, and possession of cocaine under Title 18 VSA 4231.
Authorities said Richardson was later released on a flash criminal citation and is scheduled to appear in Rutland Superior Court – Criminal Division on the next business day to answer to the charges.
In addition to the arrest, the vehicle Richardson was operating was towed from the scene, and the license plates were seized, according to officials.
All charges are allegations. Richardson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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