Foster parent arrested on sexual assault charges in Mt. Holly

MT. HOLLY, VT — A 56-year-old foster parent faces multiple charges including sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct with minors following an investigation into alleged abuse of children in his care.

Eugene D. Jennings, of Mt. Holly, was arrested after Vermont State Police and the Department for Children and Families investigated reports that began surfacing in August.

Police say Jennings committed sexual assault upon a 14-year-old male in July or August.

Investigators also allege Jennings committed lewd and lascivious conduct upon a 15-year-old male in August.

A third victim, a male who was between 15 and 17 years old at the time, was allegedly subjected to lewd and lascivious conduct by Jennings in 2023 and 2024.

Police say Jennings also provided alcohol and marijuana in different forms to all three juvenile victims.

The investigation was conducted jointly by Vermont State Police and DCF’s Residential Licensing and Special Investigations units.

Jennings was transported to Rutland Criminal Court for arraignment on Nov. 6.