Updated: Tinsley Issues Statement on Tuesday's 'No Contest' Plea

Brookfield First Selectman-elect Bill Tinsley was in court in Vermont Tuesday morning to change his plea to ‘no contest’ on charges that he stole money from a Ludlow liquor store while working there part-time as a night clerk in 2012.

Tinsley was charged with embezzlement and petit larceny, accused of stealing approximately $500 from Brewfest Beverage Co., which owner Mike Bailey says was captured on video surveillance.

Tinsley entered ‘no contest’ to the lesser misdemeanor larceny as part of a deal that dismissed the felony embezzlement charge, a Vermont court clerk confirmed Tuesday.

According to a report from the News-Times, the judge ordered a deferred 11-month sentence Tuesday, including $900 in restitution and $500 to a Vermont charity.

[Editor's Note: The original story stated that Tinsley was given a suspended sentence, in which prison time is ordered but not served. The court issued a deferral of sentencing, meaning he will not be sentenced so long as he meets the conditions set by the court.]

Tinsley has not been sentenced but might still be subject to ethics charges back in Brookfield.

He issued the following statement Tuesday evening:

Today [Tuesday], I attended a hearing in Vermont State court, stemming from charges filed against me there almost 2 years ago. The charges in Vermont resulted from a wrongful accusation by a former employer. His recent statements to our local press make the claim that the evidence against me was “irrefutable.” However, under sworn deposition, his claim was debunked and exposed as a mischaracterization of fact. My accuser is an angry man and while I may be the target of his anger, I am not the source of it.

During the last 21 months, I have worked aggressively to clear my name, and had anticipated that this matter would have long ago been concluded. During all of this time, I have stated my innocence of the charges, and continue to do so. Unfortunately, while a speedy resolution was at the top of my priority list, it was not a priority for Vermont officials.

Today, as First Selectman-elect of Brookfield, it was important to put this legal issue behind me. The potential of a lengthy and costly trial was not an acceptable option. So, today, in an agreement with the Vermont State Attorney, and accepted by the presiding judge, this case was finalized. I entered a “no contest” plea to a misdemeanor charge. The “no contest” plea allows me to maintain my assertion of innocence — and I do. The case file will be expunged in 11 months.

Over the past 20 years, I have served the people of Brookfield on the Board of Education, Board of Finance, and in many other volunteer roles. I am proud of my record of service to the town. I now look forward to serving as First Selectman — to help our community achieve its great potential.

William N. (Bill) Tinsley
First Selectman-elect, Brookfield