Relation Cited for False Pretenses Over $8,000 Theft
Vermont State Police cited an incarcerated Williamstown man for allegedly running more than $8,000 in unauthorized bank card transactions.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime
Vermont State Police received a report on September 10, 2026, of unauthorized bank card use by an inmate at Southern State Correctional Facility. Police identified Chris Relation, 54, of Williamstown, as the suspect and cited him for false pretenses.
Why it matters
The case shows how financial fraud can continue from within a correctional facility, prompting scrutiny of how inmates can access or use another person's bank card. It also underscores the scale of losses that can accumulate through repeated unauthorized transactions.
Relation was issued a citation for false pretenses and is currently incarcerated at Northeast Correctional Complex on an unrelated matter. He is scheduled to appear in Windsor County Superior Court on December 15, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.
The players
Vermont State Police
The state's primary law enforcement agency, which investigated the report and issued the citation.
Chris Relation
A 54-year-old Williamstown man charged with false pretenses who is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter.
The details
Police allege Relation used another person's bank card to conduct transactions totaling more than $8,000 from the victim's account. The report was investigated after it was filed on September 10, leading police to identify Relation as the suspect.
Timeline
September 10, 2026: Vermont State Police receive report of unauthorized bank card use.
December 15, 2026, 8:15 a.m.: Relation is scheduled to appear in Windsor County Superior Court.
Legal Context
Cases involving fraud committed from inside correctional facilities are typically handled through the same county superior court process as other financial crimes in Vermont. The December 15 appearance in Windsor County will determine how the false pretenses citation proceeds through that docket.
Residents who use bank cards should monitor statements closely and report unfamiliar transactions promptly to their bank. The case highlights that unauthorized card use can occur even when the card holder is not directly involved in the activity.
The takeaway
Monitoring bank statements regularly can help detect unauthorized card use quickly, which limits losses and supports faster investigations. Anyone who notices unfamiliar transactions should contact their bank and report them to law enforcement.
What happens next
Relation is scheduled to appear in Windsor County Superior Court on December 15, 2026, at 8:15 a.m.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Financial Crime reporting from across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRGB.
