By Guy Page

A man deemed a high-risk sex offender by the Vermont Department of Corrections will take up residence in Burlington following his release from prison Thursday, the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations said in a news release Thursday evening. 

Steven Bruyette, who has been incarcerated since 1987 for the sexual assault of an adult female stranger, will be released from Southern State Correctional Facility and supervised by Burlington Probation & Parole. Authorities say Bruyette broke into the victim’s home, threatened her and her infant with a weapon, and committed the assault.

According to state officials, Bruyette has been assessed as having a high risk of sexual recidivism compared to other incarcerated offenders. Based on his criminal history and documented sexual interests, if he were to reoffend, officials say the likely victim would be an adult female—potentially someone he knows, or a stranger.

Bruyette, 65, is 5’ 10”, weighs 210 pounds, and is bald with brown eyes, CUSI said. 

His release and return to the community are being closely monitored by local and state law enforcement, but officials acknowledge the risk posed by his presence.

Residents with concerns about public safety or questions about Bruyette’s supervision are encouraged to contact Burlington Probation & Parole.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. Even if the assault occurred in the past, free, confidential resources exist to support survivors with advocacy, counseling, and medical care. Contact the state’s 24/7 confidential hotline at 1-800-489-7273, or visit the Vermont Network Against Sexual and Domestic Violence at http://www.vtnetwork.org.