Vermont Business Magazine The Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday that Jude Stone, 20, of Bakersfield, Vermont, was arraigned on one felony count and two misdemeanor counts of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, and two felony counts of promoting a recording of child sexual conduct. The charges brought against Mr. Stone are the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC).
Mr. Stone pleaded not guilty at the arraignment today in Vermont Superior Court, Franklin Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Elizabeth Novotny presiding, ordered Mr. Stone released on conditions including that he not have contact with minors age 16 or younger, that he not access the internet, and that he not possess electronic devices capable of internet access.
VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). 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 https://report.cybertip.org.
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 https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources 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.
11.20.2025. MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Attorney General
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