A former Vermont state trooper who stole $40,000 worth of evidence from a storage facility has 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 drug case.
In December 2022, Vermont State Police said other troopers discovered evidence, including a $14,000 Rolex watch, was missing from a storage room in the Williston barracks.
On Friday, DiGenova pleaded guilty to grand larceny, petit larceny, providing false information to police, making a false statement and neglect 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 drug case
He accepted a plea deal on Friday. In lieu of jail time, he must 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 offer my sincere apologies to all those affected by my misdeeds.”
“My conduct not only broke the law, but violated the trust and respect owed by society, the Vermont State Police and, most importantly, my family,” DiGenova said.
In lieu of jail time, he must 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 walked into a jewelry store on Nov. 29 to have a Rolex appraised.
In addition to the watch, DiGenova stole diamond stud earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer wallet and key chain, a gold chain and ADHD medication, the documents say.
DiGenova gained access to the storage unit “several times” after the items were locked up, the affidavit said.
The petit larceny charge relates to the investigation into the missing ADHD medication that belonged to a child when he responded to a domestic violence call in Bolton, VT excavator reported.
He was sentenced to probation from six months to three years on charges of providing false information to police, dereliction of duty and making a false statement.
His sentence for his petty theft and grand theft charges was deferred for three years, and he was instead placed on probation.
If the former soldier complies with his probation, the two theft charges could be expunged from his record.
The judge called his plea deal a “second chance” for DiGenova.
The prosecutor, Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, said the settlement was “fair” to each party.
In addition to the watch, DiGenova stole diamond stud earrings, a diamond pendant, Airpods, a designer wallet and keychain, a gold chain and ADHD medication
DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009. He also faces charges in Washington County after he was accused of stealing from the Berlin State Police barracks as a trooper.
‘That seems like a good balance to me. These crimes are significant crimes that prevent him from becoming a police officer,” George said.
After his hearing, DiGenova declined to comment, but his attorney, Robert Kaplan, said his client is “pleased to put these issues behind him.”
He added that DiGenova is “looking forward to moving on with his life” and “has learned some important lessons here.”
He faces additional charges over an allegedly missing gold chain and diamond pendant. These allegations were not part of the settlement. His latest charge stemmed from a discovery in January when troopers were moving into a new barracks and taking all of the seized personal items.
During that time, they noticed that a diamond dust pendant worth approximately $375 was missing from the evidence.
After an investigation, it was determined that DiGenova took the necklace with his ID to enter the locked room in December 2022 and sold it on eBay for less than $300, authorities said.
State police said the necklace has since been resold by the buyer.
DiGenova also has charges pending in Washington County after he was accused of stealing from the Berlin State Police barracks as a soldier.
DiGenova became a state trooper in 2009 and was assigned to the Williston, Middlesex and Bradford barracks.
