The Vermont Department of Corrections has reversed its decision to release Harley Breer, a notorious repeat offender, to the town of Canaan in Essex County.
Breer, 55, has a long history of criminal offenses, including sexual assault and kidnapping, and has spent much of his life in and out of prison. His scheduled release was initially announced but postponed after public concerns emerged, particularly regarding the lack of law enforcement resources in the rural area of Canaan.
Corrections Commissioner Nick Deml explained that the decision to keep Breer incarcerated was based on the significant risk he posed to public and victim safety, his history of noncompliance with community supervision, and the likelihood of him fleeing the jurisdiction.
Essex County officials, including State’s Attorney Vince Illuzzi, raised concerns about the area’s ability to handle someone with Breer’s criminal history. In response to the public outcry, a petition circulated in Canaan calling for Breer to be placed elsewhere, and for increased local law enforcement support.
In light of the situation, Deml emphasized the department’s commitment to public safety and announced a review of its furlough process to ensure future decisions are made with adequate oversight. Breer remains at Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, with a maximum release date of 2030.