Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections today announced an unsuccessful escape attempt at Northeast Correctional Complex (NECC) in St. Johnsbury. Mid-afternoon Tuesday, Department security staff became aware of an incarcerated individual’s attempt to escape the secure section of the facility. The individual was identified as Seth Brunell, a detainee at NECC. Mr. Brunell did not leave the secure section of the facility and did not pose a danger to the public during the event.
Vermont State Police (VSP) were notified per Department protocol. Protocol also requires all correctional facilities to conduct an emergency headcount; all incarcerated individuals were accounted for statewide Tuesday.
The Department initiated a formal After-Action Review to analyze the incident, as is standard practice in all critical incidents within correctional facilities. VSP will conduct a separate, independent investigation into the matter.
Seth Brunell, 44, is held without bail at NECC on a charge of 2nd Degree Murder stemming from Lamoille County. Mr. Brunell was lodged in April 2022.