On July 27, 2024, a Burlington police officer was assaulted at the intersection of Main and Church Streets. The officer was struck in the face by 41-year-old Michael Gbenusola, a man with a lengthy criminal record spanning multiple states. The incident, captured on police body cam footage, has raised questions about the effectiveness of Vermont’s criminal justice policies in addressing repeat offenders and protecting public safety. (Vermont Daily Chronicle)
Details of the Assault
According to police reports, the officer approached Gbenusola after observing him behaving erratically and shouting obscenities. Without provocation, Gbenusola punched the officer, causing a significant head injury. The officer was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center with signs of a concussion. Additional officers subdued and arrested Gbenusola after he resisted attempts to be restrained. (MyChamplainValley)
Gbenusola’s Criminal History
Michael Gbenusola, who recently moved to Vermont, has a lengthy record of legal issues. He was previously convicted of third-degree assault in New York and has faced multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Vermont. His record includes an August 2022 aggravated assault in Burlington, during which he attacked a bystander who attempted to assist him and stole a firearm. In April 2023, he violated a court-issued Relief from Abuse order by attempting to kidnap his child. These incidents demonstrate a pattern of escalating violence, which culminated in the July 2024 attack on a Burlington officer. (MyNBC5)
Despite this record, Gbenusola was not incarcerated for a significant period. At the time of the July 2024 assault, his criminal history included six felony charges (one conviction) and nine misdemeanor charges (five convictions). This raises concerns about whether Vermont’s focus on rehabilitation and fairness may inadvertently enable habitual offenders to escalate their behavior.
Resource Disparities: Offenders vs. Victims
Data suggests a significant disparity in how resources are allocated between offender rehabilitation and victim support. Nationally, the average annual cost to incarcerate an offender is $33,000, with Vermont spending approximately $13,857 annually on inmate healthcare alone. (Legislative Joint Fiscal Office)
Meanwhile, the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services provides compensation averaging $1,773 per victim. The disparity highlights a broader imbalance, with significantly more resources directed toward offenders than toward supporting victims. (Legislative Report)
Broader Implications
Law enforcement and community leaders have noted a trend of individuals with criminal histories from out of state relocating to Vermont. In Gbenusola’s case, media reports initially identified him as a Swanton, Vermont resident, but records indicate he had lived in New York and faced charges there before moving to Vermont. This raises concerns about whether Vermont’s relatively lenient justice system may attract individuals seeking less stringent legal consequences. (Vermont Daily Chronicle)
The Vermont Constitution states that government is instituted for the “common benefit, protection, and security of the people” (Chapter I, Article 7). Critics argue that leniency toward habitual offenders may undermine this mandate by placing communities at risk. The assault on the Burlington officer underscores the need to balance fairness and rehabilitation with accountability and public safety.
Moving Forward
The assault has sparked calls for policy reforms to address gaps in the justice system. Suggestions include:
- Increasing accountability for habitual offenders through stricter penalties.
- Allocating more resources to victim compensation and support services.
- Strengthening coordination with neighboring states to monitor cross-border criminal activity.
- Ensuring accurate media representation of offenders’ backgrounds to inform public understanding.
Public safety remains a fundamental responsibility of government. As Vermont grapples with rising violent crime, restoring trust in its criminal justice system will require addressing these systemic issues.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
You can find FYIVT on YouTube | X(Twitter) | Facebook | Parler (@fyivt) | Gab | Instagram
#fyivt #publicsafety #criminaljustice #vermont
Support Us for as Little as $5 – Get In The Fight!!
Make a Big Impact with $25/month—Become a Premium Supporter!
Join the Top Tier of Supporters with $50/month—Become a SUPER Supporter!
Leave a Reply