Woodstock Resident Charged with Luring a Child

The Attorney General's Office today announced that Randy Shambo, 65, of Woodstock, Vermont, was arraigned on one felony count of luring a child. The charge brought against Mr. Shambo is the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of search warrants, conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General's Office.

Mr. Shambo pleaded not guilty at the arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Windsor Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Mann presiding, ordered conditions of release which restrict Mr. Shambo's access to minors, public spaces where minors congregate, electronic devices, and the internet.

VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. VT-ICAC also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education and outreach.

Every child deserves a safe childhood. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation's centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. To make a report, call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or visit NCMEC's website .

Additionally, if you are recovering from child sexual exploitation, you do not have to navigate it alone. NCMEC can help with emotional and peer support, removing content from the internet, and locating mental health professionals. For more information, please visit the online resources page or call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Senior Advisor to the Attorney General, 802-828-3171