STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police arrests seven people on trespassing charges in Williston

 

WILLISTON, Vermont (Friday, Sept. 4, 2026) — The Vermont State Police arrested seven people on charges of unlawful trespass Friday morning, Sept. 4, 2026, after they declined to leave a private office building in Williston.

 

The individuals arrested are:

 

• Catherine Bock, 78, of Burlington, VT
• Jessica Derise, 54, of Williston, VT
• Rebecca Girrell, 47, of South Burlington, VT
• Elizabeth Gleich, 36, of Middlebury, VT
• Karen Johnston, 58, of Colchester, VT
• Earl Kooperkamp, 69, of Bradford, VT
• Susan McMillan, 65, of Colchester, VT

 

 

These individuals were among a group of people who entered the building to protest federal agencies — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement — that occupy space there alongside private businesses and a medical office. The building owner said the individuals were trespassing, refused to leave when asked, and requested that police remove them from the property.

 

State police, working in conjunction with the Williston Police Department, responded and spoke with protest leaders. That discussion led to several people leaving the inside of the building, while the others indicated they’d need to be arrested.

 

Those individuals were taken into custody and brought to the Williston Barracks, where they were processed and released with citations to appear for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 20, 2026, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Burlington.

Catherine Bock

Earl Kooperkamp

Elizabeth Gleich

Jessica Derise

Karen Johnston

Rebecca Girrell

Susan McMillan

 

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