Manchester Man Facing Kidnapping, Tampering Charges In Vernon Case

VERNON, CT — Tolland State's Attorney Matthew C. Gedansky Tuesday announced the arrest of a Manchester man who has been charged with conspiring with his brother to intimidate a witness in a criminal case.

After what Gedansky called "a thorough investigation," inspectors from the Tolland State’s Attorney's Office on Monday arrested Gustin Douglas, 28, of Manchester, and charged him with first-degree kidnapping with a firearm, two counts of tampering with a witness, conspiracy to tamper with a witness and conspiracy to violate a protective order in connection with incidents in the Vernon area.

According to court records, Douglas conspired with his brother, Geoffrey Douglas, who also has a home invasion charge pending in the Tolland Judicial District, to intimidate a witness into recanting a statement to the police.

Gustin Douglas was arraigned Tuesday before Judge Maureen Murphy in Rockville Superior Court, and bail was set at $750,000.

Gedansky said that "threats and intimidation of witnesses will not be tolerated and investigated fully, and those that attempt to tamper with the judicial system will be held accountable."