RUTLAND, VT — Vermont State Police have arrested three men in connection with the theft of multiple off-road vehicles in Brandon, Rutland Town and Sudbury.
Troopers from the Rutland Barracks received a tip on March 30, 2026, regarding the possible location of an ATV stolen from a residence in Brandon on March 28, 2026.
Troopers arrived at an abandoned property in Brandon and located the stolen ATV, which was subsequently returned to its owner, Chad Ringey, 53, of Brandon.
Further investigation revealed that the ATV was stolen by the same individuals who had stolen a Polaris UTV from Pinnacle Motor Sports in Rutland on March 22, 2026.
Troopers spoke with Gary Forrest Jr., 51, of Brandon, at his residence and took him into custody due to an outstanding warrant related to a previous ATV theft.
On April 1, 2026, troopers executed a search warrant at the residence of Joshua Lester, 35, of Brandon.
Lester was taken into custody for the theft of both the ATV and the UTV.
Investigation also revealed that Lester was under court-ordered conditions of release requiring him to remain at his residence 24/7.
Lester was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland Criminal Court on April 2, 2026, to answer charges of grand larceny, possession of stolen property (two counts) and violation of conditions of release (two counts).
Lester was subsequently taken into custody by Rutland Probation and Parole and transported to Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility.
Later on April 1, 2026, troopers responded to Boondock Motors in Sudbury.
The owner, Travis Bovey, 40, of Sudbury, admitted to possessing the stolen UTV.
The UTV was recovered and returned to its owner, George Welch, 56, of Rutland Town.
Bovey was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland County Criminal Court on June 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. to answer the charge of possession of stolen property.
On April 5, 2026, troopers again contacted Forrest at his residence.
He was taken into custody for the theft of both the ATV and the UTV and transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing.
He was issued a criminal citation to appear in Rutland Criminal Court on charges of grand larceny, possession of stolen property (two counts) and false information to police.
Forrest was transported to Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, where he was held for lack of $5,000 bail.
