Press Release

INCIDENT: DUI #2 Refusal, Driving While License Suspended Criminally, Violations of Conditions of Release x2
CASE #: 26OLC002233
DEPUTY: Battista
STATION: ORLEANS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
CONTACT#: (802) 334-3333
DATE: 06/17/2026
LOCATION: Vance Hill Road, Newport Center, VT
VIOLATIONS: DUI #2 Refusal, Driving While License Suspended Criminally, Violations of Conditions of Release x2
FELONY/ MISDEMEANOR: Misdemeanors
ACCUSED: Natalie Bekkouche
AGE: 40
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Newport Center, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On 06/17/2026 while on duty for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Battista was attempting to locate a vehicle that a concerned citizen called via 911 to report a driver who was possibly impaired.

Deputy Battista observed a vehicle driving down the middle of Lake Road in Newport Center VT, matching the vehicle description reported to 911. Deputy Battista initiated a traffic stop; the operator was identified as Natalie Bekkouche.

Deputy Battista during the traffic stop observed several signs of impairment. During the DUI investigation Bekkouche violated two separate conditions of release.

Bekkouche was arrested and transported to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department for processing. The vehicle being operated was towed and the vehicle registration plates were seized.

Bekkouche was charged with, DUI #2 Refusal, operating while under Criminal Suspension and violating two separate Conditions of Release.

COURT ACTION: Yes
COURT DATE/TIME: 07/07/2026 @ 0830 hours
COURT: Vermont Superior Court; Orleans Criminal Division
LODGED - LOCATION: N/A
BAIL: N/A
MUG SHOT: N/A
*Please note court date and time are subject to change at the discretion of
the court. Please call the criminal court clerk to confirm arraignment time. All person’s innocent until proven guilty.

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