Police close in on Frost suspects
Toolbox
By Gordon Dritschilo Herald Staff - Published: January 8, 2008
RIPTON — Vermont State Police said Monday they believe they have identified the ringleaders of an underage drinking party that trashed a national historic site once frequented by Robert Frost.
A press release issued Monday afternoon said that a 17-year-old Ripton resident planned and organized the party at the Homer Noble Farm and that a 22-year-old Middlebury resident bought the alcohol. Police did not identity either person.
Police said as many as 50 people from the ages of 15 to 22 attended the party, which did an estimated $10,000 in damage.
Police said there have not, however, been any arrests.
"What we're trying to determine is who did what at the party," Lt. Bruce Melendy said. "When you've got so many people, it's kind of a he-said, she-said."
Melendy said police have conducted numerous interviews and that some of those who were at the party are co-operating in the investigation.
Addison County States Attorney John Quinn said the charges, when they come, could include underage drinking, unlawful mischief and trespassing.
"If they broke into a building, that could be a burglary charge," he said. "I need to see the final investigation before I make that determination."
Police said the investigation is continuing and they are still interviewing those involved. Quinn said he expects charges in the next week or so.
Robert Frost spent his summers at Homer Noble farm from the late 1930s until his death in 1963. He stayed in the farmhouse owned by a close friend and would go to a cabin just uphill to write.
Sometime between the evening of Dec. 28 and the morning of Dec. 29, police said the group of youths broke into the restored farmhouse, large amounts of alcohol in tow.
Party-goers broke up antique furniture and burned it as firewood, vomited and urinated on the floor, broke a window and a door along with dishes and glass picture frames and set off fire extinguishers, coating a number of the rooms, according to police.
Every room on the first floor sustained damage, though the second floor and the cabin were untouched. Police also said there was evidence of drug use at the site.
The house is owned by Middlebury College. President Ronald Liebowitz issued a statement last week affirming the college's commitment to restore and maintain the property.
Contact Gordon Dritschilo at gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com.
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