Poultney man faces new charges for sexual assault and domestic violence

By Keep Vermont Safe,

Vermont State Police have filed additional charges against Jason Seiple, 38, of Poultney, after identifying another victim in an ongoing investigation into sexual assault and domestic violence.

Seiple was initially arrested and charged with aggravated domestic assault in a separate case earlier this year. Following his arrest, detectives with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations continued to investigate him, leading them to a second victim who reported being assaulted over a period spanning from 2018 to 2021 in the Mt. Holly and Belmont areas.

Jason Seiple

Police say they found probable cause to charge Seiple with sexual assault and aggravated domestic assault against this additional victim, who was a household member at the time of the alleged incidents.

Seiple was issued a citation through his attorney and appeared in Vermont Superior Court in Rutland. These new charges will be addressed alongside his existing case from January 2024, in which he was accused of committing similar offenses.

The Vermont State Police are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with further information to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigations at the Rutland Barracks by calling (802) 773-9101.

Marshfield woman missing, police ask for public’s help

Vermont State Police are searching for Tara Fitzgerald, 46, of Marshfield, who was reported missing on March 15.

Tara Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald was last seen leaving her residence on March 10 and is believed to have been in the Washington County area. She is described as 5’4”, 125 pounds, with long dark brown hair and blue eyes.

Police say there are no signs of foul play, but they have concerns for her welfare. Anyone with information is asked to call the Berlin Barracks at (802) 229-9191.

Highgate man arrested for threats and reckless endangerment

On March 16, 2025, at around 6:00pm, Vermont State Police responded to a residence on Boarding House Road in Sheldon for reports of a man threatening people with a firearm.

When troopers arrived, the suspect, identified as Bradley Jarvis, 64, of Highgate, had already left the scene. After speaking with witnesses, police located Jarvis and arrested him for unlawful trespass and reckless endangerment.

Jarvis was transported to the St. Albans Barracks on $1,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Franklin County Superior Court on March 17 at 1:00pm

Police chase in Isle La Motte leads to arrests

On March 16, 2025, at around 11:00am, Vermont State Police assisted Swanton and St. Albans police in an ongoing case involving Mackenna Shea-Smith, 25, of St. Albans.

Smith was wanted on unrelated charges, and when Swanton officers attempted to arrest her, she fled. Her vehicle was later found in Isle La Motte, where she locked the doors and then sped off while troopers tried to force them open.

Smith and her passenger, Tylor Lindsay, 27, of Isle La Motte, were found the next day in Highgate and taken into custody. Smith is facing charges of attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, and negligent operation. Lindsay was charged with accessory after the fact and impeding a public officer.

Smith was lodged at Chittenden County Correctional Facility on separate charges, and the vehicle she was driving was found to be stolen.