Waterbury, VT – Today, the Vermont Department of Corrections released the following statement from Commissioner Nick Deml: “Recently, the Department of Corrections conducted a routine case review of Harley Breer, a currently incarcerated individual, to determine the appropriateness of his release on Community Supervision Furlough. This process initially resulted in a recommendation for release. As part of our standard procedure, the Department notified the Essex County State’s Attorney of this initial recommendation on November 19, 2024.
However, I ordered a further review of Mr. Breer’s case due to my concern regarding the significant risk he poses to public safety and the Department’s ability to effectively supervise him in the community. Under Vermont law and Department policy, individuals considered for Community Supervision Furlough must demonstrate significant progress in reentry programming and must not pose an unreasonable risk to victims or public safety.
After a thorough review of all available information, I am denying Mr. Breer's release on Community Supervision Furlough. This decision was based on three primary factors: the significant risk he poses to public and victim safety, his history of repeated noncompliance with community supervision, and his high likelihood of fleeing from the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and the Vermont criminal justice system.
I believe it is important in this case to address and alleviate public concerns. This decision underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to public safety and to ensuring that our policies and Vermont law are applied with integrity and diligence. The Department will conduct a thorough review of policies and make necessary changes to improve the Department’s furlough review process.”
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