In The News

Pownal Elementary School Update

March 24, 2025

Keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility, and accountability is an important part of that process. On March 21, 2025, Crystal Mahar of Pownal, Vermont, was issued a criminal citation by Lieutenant Harrington of the Bennington County Sheriff's Department for Negligent Firearm Storage. This charge is in connection with the March 19, 2025, incident at Pownal Elementary School.

The State's Attorney's Office has all official documentation related to the case. Additionally, information regarding the juvenile involved remains protected and cannot be released.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that responsible firearm storage plays in keeping our communities and schools safe. We urge all gun owners to take every precaution to ensure firearms are securely stored and out of the reach of children.

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Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA