The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that federal charges were filed against Everett Simpson, 41, formerly of St. Albans, Vermont for his involvement with the kidnapping of a New Hampshire woman over the weekend.
The incident began at about 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, outside the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, New Hampshire when a man later identified as Simpson forced a woman and her child into their car and drove to Vermont. On reaching White River Junction, Simpson forced the woman to rent a room at a local hotel, where he proceeded to sexually assault the victim. The victim is a stranger who was targeted at random. When Simpson left the hotel room, the victim and child were able to reach safety and contact the police.
Investigation indicates Simpson had stolen a car and escaped from a substance-abuse rehabilitation facility in eastern Vermont three days earlier. The complaint charged a violation of the federal kidnapping, which carries a penalty of up to life in prison.
Simpson was arrested in Pennsylvania on Sunday. An arrest warrant was issued in connection with the federal charges. After his federal arrest, the government will seek to have Simpson transferred to Vermont in custody. The contents of the complaint are allegations only. Simpson is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Simpson also faces charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and Windsor County, Vermont.
