By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
ATHENS, Vt. — A Springfield man who was on probation allegedly set fire to a mobile home in Athens on Saturday morning and is now facing a laundry list of serious charges including arson, first degree aggravated domestic assault, and to cruelty to a child.
Benjamin E. Stocker, 33, was arrested on March 29 at 7:39 a.m. by Vermont State Police and faces the following charges: arson; first degree aggravated domestic assault; violation of conditions of release; negligent operation; violation of an abuse prevention order; aggravated stalking; unlawful mischief; persons prohibited from owning a firearm; unlawful restraint; possession of stolen property; larceny; cruelty to a child; reckless endangerment; and disorderly conduct.
With 14 charges against him, Stocker is looking at potential time behind bars. If convicted of arson, Stocker is facing two to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $2,000. A conviction for first-degree aggravated domestic assault has a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines. The aggravated stalking charge carries a potential penalty of a fine of up to $25,000 and up to five years in prison. The cruelty to a child charge could also land him in prison for up to two years and a $500 fine.
According to information provided by the Vermont State Police, in the early morning hours of March 29, a fully involved structure fire was reported at 71 Valley Cemetery Road in the town of Athens. The Athens Fire Department and multiple agencies from surrounding communities responded to extinguish the blaze.
Troopers responded to the scene and investigated, leading to the arrest of Stoker. The Vermont State Police Tactical Services Unit and Crisis Negotiation Unit assisted State Police troopers.
Grafton Assistant Fire Chief Nathaniel Noyes told the Brattleboro Reformer that he was the first to arrive at the fire at the mobile home, which was fully involved. No injuries were reported, and Trooper Zachary Trocki told the Brattleboro Reformer that the house was empty at the time of the blaze.
He said the fire was deemed suspicious and he requested assistance from the arson investigation team.
The fire reportedly destroyed the mobile home, which has a value listed on Realtor.com of $146,000. Redfin lists an estimate of $93,935 and Zillow has a listing of $79,100.
Stocker was issued a criminal citation and held on $50,000 bail at the Southern State Correctional Facility. He was scheduled to appear in Vermont Superior Court, Windham Criminal Division on March 31 at 12:30 p.m.
A message was left with Trooper Trocki but not returned by deadline. A message was also left with the Grafton Fire Department, which provides fire protection for Athens, but also not returned by deadline.
Vermont State Police Public Information Officer Adam Silverman deferred to a probable cause affidavit that would be available after the arraignment. A request for this information has been made to Vermont Superior Court.
Stocker was also arrested on April 14, 2023, by New Hampshire State Police Troop C in Claremont and charged with domestic violence, with the arrest log listing “simple assault and physical contact.”
On Sept. 4, 2023, he was arrested on a warrant in Hampton. On Oct. 17, 2022, the Brattleboro Police Department issued Stocker a citation for a bad check he attempted to use, and he was charged with home improvement fraud, according to a report by the Brattleboro Reformer.
Stocker also already had an April 16 court date in the Probate Courtroom of the Vermont Superior Court – Windham Criminal Division for a Criminal Violation of Probation Merits Hearing, where a probation officer and a victim’s advocate will be present. During this type of meeting, a judge determines if the defendant violated terms of probation, and how to proceed.
Information has been requested of the court for why Stocker was on probation, and any documents that are associated with the crime.
