By JOHN S. McCRIGHT
BRISTOL — Vermont State Police arrested Bristol police officer Shawn Dillon on Friday and charged him with fraud in connection with an application for a $350,000 home mortgage.
Dillon, a Bristol resident, resigned from the Bristol Police Department on Saturday. He had been on the force for just under two years, according to Bristol Police Chief Kevin Gibbs.
According to VSP, Dillon, 28, had claimed on an application for a home mortgage that he was a state police trooper. He had applied for such a job, but had been denied the position.
Troopers arrested Dillon on Friday morning and charged him with fraud and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Chittenden District Court Friday afternoon and released on conditions, including that he not contact witnesses. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Edward Cashman in that court on May 17.
After state police informed Gibbs of the arrest on Friday he suspended Dillon without pay from the Bristol Police Department. The Bristol selectboard met in emergency session on Saturday morning to receive a report from Gibbs. Dillon called Gibbs at about the same time as the meeting started and gave a verbal resignation. Later on Saturday he submitted his resignation in writing, and the selectboard accepted it at a special meeting on Sunday morning.
Gibbs said he thought Dillon was feeling a range of emotions after his arrest.
“He’s probably feeling pretty depressed. He realizes he made a mistake,� Gibbs said.
Dillon’s departure leaves Bristol police with three full-time officers and one special officer, who Selectman Armand Compagna said has been working nearly full-time already. Gibbs said the department would be able to provide police coverage.
“We need to make schedule adjustments to cover shifts with the personnel we have,� he said. “I’ve mentioned to the selectboard, but not made a formal request, that they should advertise for another officer.�