New Hampshire Man Charged with Assaulting Deputy U.S. Marshal

BURLINGTON- The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that Christopher Palermo, 49, of Andover, New Hampshire, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer. On June 23, 2026, Palermo appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Palermo be detained pending trial.

According to court records, a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Vermont State Police Troopers were attempting to arrest Palermo on April 24, 2026, at a residence in Groton, Vermont. At the time, Palermo had multiple extraditable arrest warrants issued by New Hampshire state courts. Palermo attempted to flee on foot, and resisted arrest after his apprehension. While law enforcement was attempting to secure Palermo in a VSP cruiser, Palermo bit the Deputy U.S. Marshal on the bicep, causing injury.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Palermo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Palermo faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance investigating the case.

The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Palermo is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sam Ansell.