Charges Expunged in Kadamus Case

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Created on Friday, 02 November 2012 18:32

Written by Joseph Peters

ST. JOHNSBURY - Three and a half years after fatally shooting his son in a hunting accident, all charges against Kevin Kadamus were expunged in Caledonia County Criminal Court this morning. The ruling brought an end to a bitter saga, which started hours after turkey hunting season opened on May 1, 2009.

At the time, Captain Edward Ledo of the Vermont State Police said that Kadamus was out hunting with his son. "They were originally in separate areas," Ledo said, "and for unknown reasons at this point in time, the son had crossed into the hunting area of the father without the father being aware of that."

"[It's] a tragedy for the family, a tragedy for the community and the surrounding community," Ledo said.

Jake Kadamus was a three-sport athlete at Lyndon Institute, participating in football, hockey and baseball. He'd hit an RBI double in a game against Vergennes just days before his death, and members of the Lyndon Institute community had nothing but praise for the young man.

"Jake's contribution to our program extended far beyond yard from scrimmage, touchdowns and tackles," said LI athletic director Paul Wheeler at Jake's funeral. "His immeasurements were much more important to us than his measurables."

The case went to Caledonia County Criminal Court, where Kadamus pled no contest in October of 2009. At the time, the judge ordered Kadamus to perform 150 hours of community service and banned him from hunting for ten years. Lisa Warren, the state's attorney, expressed sympathy for Kadamus' situation. Warren also utilized Vermont's individualized sentencing law to come up with a fair sentence for Kadamus.

"We offered him a three-year deferred sentence," Warren said. "We thought it was appropriate. He was cooperative with police. He obviously was remorseful, because it was his son."

The three-year deferral was the reason for Kadamus' appearance in court today, and Judge Mary Miles Teachout, after evaluating the case, chose to have records of the case expunged.

The official order to expunge states:

"[T]he adjudication of guilt entered in the above named case has been stricken and the respondent discharged.

Any restitution that has been ordered has been paid in full.

It is hereby ORDERED that any documentation in the Court's record specifically referring to the above named charge(s) be destroyed. The record of the criminal proceeding shall be destroyed. The proceedings with respect to the above charge shall be considered never to have occurred. All index references to proceedings on the above charge shall be deleted.

Court, prosecutorial and law enforcement personnel and departments shall reply to any request for information that no record exists with respect to the proceeding."