Jeffersonville Resident Sentenced to Prison for Child Luring

The Attorney General's Office announced that Justin Couture, 37, of Jeffersonville, Vermont, was sentenced on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Vermont Superior Court, Orleans Criminal Division, after pleading guilty to one felony count of Luring a Child. Mr. Couture also admitted to violating his probation in a case prosecuted by the Orleans County State's Attorney.

The Court, Judge Rory Thibault presiding, sentenced Mr. Couture to two to five years in prison, all suspended except for six months to serve, with six years of probation. Conditions of Mr. Couture's probation mandate completion of sex offender programming, limit Mr. Couture's contact with children, and restrict his access to the internet. Mr. Couture is also required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after the completion of his sentence.

If Mr. Couture violates the terms of his probation, he may face up to five years in prison.

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.

Contact: Lauren Jandl, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171