Police seek daughter of suspect in four killings

Police are searching for the daughter of a woman accused of killing a state social worker and three others last year after police were unable to locate the young woman following her release on furlough, Barre police say.

The situation involving Desiree Herring, 21, prompted Vermont officials to send a warning to state workers Wednesday morning and to boost security in Barre as a precaution.

Chief Tim Bombardier said Wednesday that Herring, who was serving a sentence for multiple convictions, was released on furlough last Thursday. The Corrections Department tried unsuccessfully to check on her Saturday, the chief said.

The authorities have placed Herring on "escape status," and Bombardier said law enforcement statewide were being notified.

Herring last was seen on Main Street in Barre. Police described Desiree Herring as 5 feet 6 inches tall with a slender build, brown hair and green eyes. Her mother, Jody Herring, has pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges arising from the August 2015 slayings of Department for Children and Families social worker Lara Sobel, along with three of Herring's own relatives.

Agency of Human Services Secretary Hal Cohen said Wednesday he was notified of the situation Tuesday night by Corrections Commissioner Lisa Menard. Cohen confirmed an email was sent to agency staff Wednesday morning by Chief Operations Officer Dawn O'Toole to notify workers of Desiree Herring's status and to say the agency planned to increase security in Barre offices until the woman is found.

"We urge all staff to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings," O'Toole wrote.

Wednesday's notification came days before the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of Sobel outside the former DCF office in downtown Barre. Jody Herring also is accused in the killings of three relatives — cousins Regina Herring, 43, and Rhonda Herring, 48, and aunt Julie Ann Falzarano, 73 — who were found in a Berlin home the next day.

Cohen said the agency has received no direct threats in connection with Desiree Herring's disappearance but is being "overly precautious."

"My staff are feeling particularly sensitive at this time, as this is the anniversary of the murders," Cohen said. "We thought it was best to inform all of our staff, and we have also brought in additional security to the city center as well."

During the past year, security has been increased at most DCF facilities across the state, Cohen said. He said security changes have included installing bulletproof glass and bringing in additional security personnel.

"I think the best thing we can do is be very transparent and to keep staff informed," Cohen said. "We've asked staff to be particularly cautious and to work, whenever possible, in pairs and not alone."

Washington County State's Attorney Scott Williams said his office has sent paperwork to a judge to consider probable cause for an escape charge and an arrest warrant for Desiree Herring.

Central VT quadruple murder case returns to court

Chief Bombadier said release on furlough is more restrictive than probation. Some inmates can be released on furlough after reaching a minimum release date to begin the process of reintegration into society. Inmates on furlough are monitored closely and participate in any recommended programs that hold them accountable.

Williams said inmates released on furlough must sign a contract with the Department of Corrections, which is typically reviewed each week and modified to reflect changing life circumstances.

"Once that contact is signed, any violation of it can subject the person to being taken into custody and placed back in the prison, either for a sanction or a review of furlough status," Williams wrote in an email on Wednesday.

Anyone with information about Desiree Herring's whereabouts is asked to call the Barre City Police Department at 476-6613.

This story was first posted online on Aug. 3, 2016, and has been updated. Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LizMurraySMC.

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Email to Agency of Human Services employees: 

All AHS Staff - 

Last night, Desiree Herring absconded. Currently, her whereabouts are unknown. Barre City Police, DOC and other law enforcement are searching for her. Our hope is that she will be brought into custody soon. 

Herring is the daughter of Jody Herring who is accused of murdering DCF social worker Lara Sobel and three members of her family last year. Ms. Herring has not made any direct threats to employees; this message is a precaution.

Security in the Barre offices will be increased until Ms. Herring is located. We urge all staff to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. We will keep you notified of any updates as soon as they become available. 

Thank you.

Dawn O’Toole

Chief Operations Officer

Agency of Human Services