Man denies thefts

from sugar houses

A Poultney man charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of maple sugar making equipment from producers around Rutland County appeared in Rutland criminal court this week for arraignment on six felony charges.

Bryan W. Parker, 29, pleaded innocent to six burglary charges for break-ins at sugar houses in the Rutland area last fall.

Parker, who appeared in court Monday on a citation, was released on conditions including requirements that he stay away from the properties and sugar makers he is charged with stealing from.

If convicted of all six counts, Parker would face a maximum of 75 years in jail.

Vermont State Police arrested Parker last month after receiving help from local maple syrup producers who contacted a syrup-making supply store in New Hampshire where Parker allegedly brought some of the stolen items to exchange for newer parts.