Randolph man charged with molestation and voyeurism dies at DHMC

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — A 67-year-old Randolph man who had been held in pre-trial detention since he was charged with molestation and voyeurism nearly five years ago died while hospitalized.

Michael Hartigan was pronounced deceased on Sunday, March 16 while in palliative care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, according to a news release from the Vermont Department of Corrections. He had been transferred to DHMC on Feb. 9 from Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vt., which he had entered on Feb. 6.

Hartigan’s death “does not appear suspicious at this time,” the news release said. In accordance with state law and protocol, DOC notified the Defender General’s Prisoners’ Rights Office of the death, which will be reviewed by the DOC Corrections Investigative Unit and Health Services Division.

Hartigan was detained and ordered held without bail in May 2020, after he was charged with sexually assaulting two children and secretly video recording several children and adults in his home, according to court documents.

He most recently was being held at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield.

Hartigan had been scheduled to appear in Orange County Superior Court for change of plea hearing on April 23, according to court records.