BARRE — Jonathan Henry, 28, the East Montpelier man who was on the run for 2 1/2 hours last week after escaping from St. Johnsbury Correctional staff while being treated at Central Vermont Medical Center, is now facing charges in connection with the incident that led to his arrest.
He has been cited by Vermont State Police on charges of kidnapping, unlawful restraint, extortion, and simple assault.
On January 20, the Vermont State Police received a complaint from a 67 year old New Haven man, in which he reported that he responded to a Craigslist post and arranged to meet with Henry. Later in the week during their encounter, he was physically assaulted by Henry.
According to court records, Henry’s probation officer said the man performed oral sex on Henry. He also said that Henry then struck the man in the face with a pistol and threatened to shoot him.
According to a statement by the victim, after the attack, he was taken to the Berlin Mall, where he bought Henry a video game console for $529. The man said he and Henry then went to the bank and was told to wire $10,000 to Henry’s account. He stated that if the man refused or went to the police, Henry threatened to shoot the man’s wife.
Henry then drove the victim to his vehicle in East Montpelier.
On January 31, the Vermont State Police and the Department of Corrections Barre Probation and Parole arrested Henry at his residence for a probation violation.
On February 4, while visiting Central Vermont Hospital for a medical procedure, Henry escaped. He was taken back into custody near the River Run Manor Mobile Home Park off Route 302 in Berlin. He will appear in Washington County criminal court in Barre on Thursday.
