Newport man charged with escaping custody after out-of-state arrest

NEWPORT — A Newport man faces felony charges after allegedly violating the terms of his furlough release and fleeing to Tennessee, authorities said.

Tod West, 50, pleaded not guilty to a charge of escaping from custody while on furlough. Judge Rory Thibault set bail at $500 during West’s arraignment in Orleans County Superior Court.

According to court documents, West was released from Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport on April 21, 2020, with conditions including remaining at an approved residence in Newport Center and not leaving Vermont without permission.

Probation Officer Deborah Martel reported receiving a tip on June 4, 2020, that West had traveled to Tennessee. When contacted, West denied leaving the state but subsequently failed to make a required check-in call on June 11.

Further investigation revealed discrepancies in West’s reported living situation. On June 23, officers found no one at his listed address, and the resident claimed to have no knowledge of West.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant for West on July 14, 2020. He was apprehended in Tennessee on July 3, and extradited to Vermont to face charges.