BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A former Vermont trooper accused of stealing a $14,000 Rolex watch and other valuable items from the evidence locker will avoid prison under a plea deal reached Friday.
“Your honor, words cannot describe the regret and remorse I feel in my heart,” Giancarlo DiGenova told a judge in court Friday.
As part of the plea agreement, DiGenova pleaded guilty to five charges including felony grand larceny.
Vermont State Police say it started in December 2022 when fellow troopers noticed $40,000 worth of evidence in a narcotics case was missing from the property storage room.
“I am fully aware of the gravity of my actions and the harm they have caused. I humbly extend my sincerest apologies to all affected by my wrongdoing. My conduct has not only violated the law but also broke the trust and respect owed to society, the Vermont State Police, and especially my family,” DiGenova said.
DiGenova must now complete 100 hours of community service, go through a restorative justice process, and pay fines.
While avoiding jail time, the felony charge and a petit larceny charge will remain on his record until he completes his court requirements.
“Every time something like this happens, it breaks trust with community members. And we need to make sure that law enforcement are holding themselves accountable and each other accountable for that trust to be fixed,” said Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George.
DiGenova’s declined to comment following the hearing, but his lawyer, Robert Kaplan, called the deal a reasonable outcome. “He’s very pleased to be putting these issues behind him and looks forward to moving on with his life having learned some important lessons here, and having the opportunity to pay the community back,” he said.
DiGenova quit the VSP last year after the investigation began. He is still facing charges in Washington and Chittenden Counties that have not been resolved.