By Kolby LaMarche

Burlington police arrested Sole Parkin, 25, of Burlington, on nine counts of voyeurism Monday after an investigation into reports of a man following women and peering into open windows in the Hill Section neighborhood. 

The incidents spanned several weeks in the residential area near the University of Vermont campus, where a mix of student housing and family homes exist.

Parkin appeared in Chittenden Superior Court Tuesday morning and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The originally assigned judge recused himself due to a family connection to the Winooski School District, where Parkin works as a program manager. 

A replacement judge set conditions of release that include a strict nighttime curfew from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., a prohibition on possessing any devices capable of recording photographs or video, and orders to avoid certain locations and individuals named in the case. 

The judge also recommended that Parkin notify his employer of the charges within 48 hours, leaving any employment decisions to district officials.

The Winooski School District confirmed it learned of the allegations late Monday afternoon and took immediate precautionary steps. Officials noted that Parkin holds a support staff position and emphasized that all employees undergo thorough background checks and vetting prior to hiring. 

Support staff operate under the direct supervision of licensed personnel, with strict protocols in place to monitor student locations at all times. The district stated it has no reason to believe any students were placed at risk and will continue to monitor developments while keeping student safety as the top priority.

Parkin joined the Winooski School District at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. His role as program manager involves coordinating student support initiatives across elementary, middle, and high school programs. 

Before that, he worked at the Morrisville Food Co-op in Morrisville, assisting with daily operations and community outreach at the member-owned grocery store. 

Earlier than that, according to records, he held a position with Pathways Vermont, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health support and housing services throughout the state. 

Those roles placed him in public-facing positions that required coordination with local residents and service providers.

Burlington police described the Hill Section incidents as involving multiple victims who reported seeing an individual matching Parkin’s description lingering near homes and following them on foot or by bicycle in the evenings. 

Investigators credited public tips with helping identify and locate the suspect promptly. The department continues its investigation and has asked residents with relevant surveillance footage or additional information to contact detectives.

Vermont law defines voyeurism as secretly observing or recording another person in a place where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists, such as inside a residence. 

Each count carries potential penalties including fines and incarceration, depending on case specifics and any prior record. 

Parkin has no publicly known criminal history before these charges. His attorney has not issued public comments beyond the not-guilty plea.

Residents in the area online expressed relief following the arrest while stressing continued vigilance. 

Several women who reported incidents adjusted their routines in recent weeks, such as avoiding solo evening walks and keeping window coverings closed. Police continue to encourage anonymous tips through the department’s online portal or dedicated line.

This incident, though isolated, has reinforced community conversations about personal safety and privacy in everyday environments, including those downtown.

Investigators will continue gathering statements and reviewing materials.