A former Vermont state trooper who stole $40,000 worth of evidence from a warehouse accepted a plea deal and avoided prison time.
Giancarlo DiGenova, 45, resigned in February 2023 after the agency launched an investigation following the discovery of stolen evidence from a narcotics case.
In December 2022, Vermont State Police said other officers discovered evidence, including a $14,000 Rolex watch, was missing from a storage room at the Williston barracks.
On Friday, DiGenova pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny, misdemeanor petit larceny, providing false information to police, false statement and dereliction of duty.
“Your Honor, words cannot describe the regret and remorse I feel in my heart,” DiGenova said in court.
Giancarlo DiGenova, 45, resigned in February 2023 after the agency launched an investigation following the discovery of stolen evidence from a narcotics case.
On Friday he accepted a plea deal. Instead of going to jail, he has to complete 100 hours of community service, pay fines and participate in a restorative justice program.
‘I am fully aware of the seriousness of my actions and the damage they have caused. I humbly extend my sincere apologies to all those affected by my wrongdoings.’
“My conduct has not only violated the law but has also broken the trust and respect due to society, the Vermont State Police and especially my family,” DiGenova said.
Instead of going to jail, he has to complete 100 hours of community service, pay fines and participate in a restorative justice program.
According to an affidavit, the former state trooper was wearing his Vermont State Police uniform when he entered a jewelry store to appraise a Rolex on Nov. 29.
In addition to the watch, DiGenova is suspected of stealing diamond earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer wallet and keychain, a gold necklace and ADHD medication, according to the documents.
DiGenova accessed the storage room “numerous times” after the items were locked, according to the affidavit.
The petit larceny charge is related to the investigation into missing ADHD medication that belonged to a child when he responded to a domestic disturbance call in Bolton, VT excavator reported.
He was sentenced to six months to three years’ probation on charges of providing false information to police, dereliction of duty and making false statements.
His sentencing on his petit larceny and grand larceny charges was deferred for three years and he was instead placed on probation.
If the former police officer completes his probation, the two theft charges could be expunged from his record.
The judge referred to his plea deal as a “second chance” for DiGenova.
The prosecutor, Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, said the plea deal was “fair” to each side.
In addition to the watch, DiGenova is suspected of stealing diamond earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer wallet and keychain, a gold necklace, and ADHD medication.
DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009. He also has charges pending against him in Washington County after he was accused of robbing the Berlin state police barracks as a trooper.
“It seems like a good balance to me. Those misdemeanors are important and will prevent you from being a police officer,” George said.
After his hearing, DiGenova declined to comment, but his attorney, Robert Kaplan, said his client is “glad to put these issues behind him.”
He added that DiGenova “looks forward to moving forward with his life” and has “learned some important lessons here.”
She faces additional charges for the alleged missing gold necklace and diamond pendant. Those charges were not part of the plea agreement.
Their latest charges stemmed from a discovery in January when officers were in the process of moving into a new barracks and brought with them all of the seized personal items.
During that time, they realized that a diamond dust pendant valued at about $375 was missing from the evidence.
Upon investigation, it was determined that DiGenova had taken the necklace using his ID to enter the locked room in December 2022 and sold it on eBay for less than $300.
State police said the buyer has since resold the necklace.
DiGenova also has charges pending against him in Washington County after he was accused of robbing the Berlin State Police barracks while he was a police officer.
DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009 and was assigned to the Williston, Middlesex and Bradford barracks.