Judge Dismisses Felony Assault Charge Against St Johnsbury Police Sgt George Johnson

A Caledonia Superior Court judge dismissed a felony assault charge against Sgt. George Johnson. Judge Michael Kainen issued his decision on Wednesday, noting “the court does not find probable cause to believe Sgt. Johnson committed the crime of aggravated assault.” Sgt. Johnson, a veteran, decorated officer with the St. Johnsbury Police Department, has been on paid administrative leave since May 2024, when an investigation into his actions related to an arrest began. He was accused of assaulting John Stelzl on Bay Street on May 10, 2024. After a multi-week investigation following the incident, State Police determined Sgt. Johnson had committed a crime with respect to his actions toward Stelzl. Body camera footage shows an interaction between Stelzl and Sgt. Johnson that includes Stelzl’s resistance to being taken into custody and Sgt. Johnson striking Stelzl in the face with the handle of a taser. The sergeant was charged with aggravated assault on Stelzl while trying to take him into custody after the officer tried to engage with Stelzl, who the officer found to be suspicious and had jaywalked on Bay Street. Sgt. Johnson’s attorney contends that Sgt. Johnson’s actions toward Stelzl were justified.