Insanity expected as arson defense
Toolbox
By Susan Smallheer Herald Staff - Published: December 15, 2008
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Sharon woman who psychiatrists say could have as many as 20 different personalities is expected to use the insanity defense next year in her trial for setting fires at her former therapist's home and a stranger's home.
Cheryle Potwin, 51, was ruled competent to stand trial last month by District Court Judge Kathleen Manley, and both sides in the case were back before Manley Thursday for an update on the case.
Windsor County State's Attorney Robert Sand said that while Potwin was ruled competent to stand trial, whether she was sane at the time of the events is another legal question. He said the trial is tentatively set for the spring.
Potwin suffers from dissociative identity disorder, as well as post traumatic stress disorder, according to testimony from psychiatrists last year in a lengthy competency hearing.
Since her arrest about two years ago, Potwin has been held either at the Vermont State Hospital or at prison. Sand said that Potwin was currently in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Sand noted that Potwin's court-appointed defense attorney, Kevin Griffin, hadn't yet filed the formal notice that he would be using the insanity defense in her trial.
Sand said he also has to decide whether he is going to try the two different alleged arson cases at the same time.
Potwin is charged with setting fire to the home of Madeleine Tobias of Hartland, her former therapist at the Veteran's Administration Hospital, and at the Kilcullen home in Woodstock. Potwin had no known connection with the Kilcullen family.
Potwin is also a person of interest in another arson that happened the same day but in New Hampshire, where the home of a judge burned.
In the two Vermont cases, the damage to the two homes was minimal and no one was hurt. The New Hampshire home was destroyed in the fire.
Contact Susan Smallheer at susan.smallheer@rutlandherald.com.
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