Vermont community on edge over alleged pedophile gathering

MARSHFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – There was a heightened police presence in Marshfield on Friday over community alarm surrounding an alleged gathering of people sexually attracted to minors.

There is no evidence the gathering is taking place or, in fact, that it was ever planned, but the allegation that circulated through social media has caused an uproar.

Our crew saw police patrols and a community on edge, not only because of the possible gathering of sexual deviants, but the backlash that it has caused.

Earlier this week, social media posts circulated online describing a gathering of so-called minor-attracted people, another term for pedophiles, starting this weekend.

This caused outrage, anger and questions at a special select board meeting earlier this week.

Friday, two state police cruisers were parked outside Twinfield Union School, the law enforcement presence invited by school officials.

“We appreciate the community and the concern we have for all of our students as we all do. It’s great in a not-great situation to be able to work together and build those relationships to keep kids safe,” said Rachel Hartman, the principal of Twinfield Union School.

The person who was alleged online to be hosting the gathering of minor-attracted persons denies that such an event was ever scheduled.

At Gov. Phil Scott’s news briefing this week, state police also said they have no evidence of such a gathering or any illegal activity.

“We are prepared if there are allegations of laws being broken to investigate and respond but we also want to protect First Amendment rights regardless of how distasteful those opinions might be,” Vt. Public Safety Deputy Commissioner Dan Batsie said.

Several law enforcement organizations including the state police and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are looking into the allegations.

In the meantime, Twinfield is hosting a forum in the coming days to give the community a place to talk this through.

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