Former CNN producer pleads not guilty to sex crimes in Vermont

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - A former CNN producer has pleaded not guilty to luring minors into sex in Vermont.

John Griffin, 44, of Stamford, Connecticut, is being held without bail after being charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting a child at his Ludlow ski house. Prosecutors say he tried to lure other girls, too.

Griffin bought his home near Okemo in February 2020 and prosecutors say a few months later he used it to commit crimes. They say in April, Griffin tried to convince a man to enroll his wife and 14-year old daughter in “sexual training.” In June, he tried to convince a mother that she and her 16-year old daughter should undergo similar training. And then later in June, prosecutors say he successfully convinced a mother to fly from Nevada to Boston with her nine-year-old daughter. Documents say he picked them up at Logan Airport, drove them to Ludlow, and sexually assaulted the child. Prosecutors say video from Griffin’s own drone footage shows the child naked next to Griffin in his underwear. Prosecutors also say he paid off witnesses

Griffin worked as a producer at CNN for the past eight years.

If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison.

Related Story:

CNN producer charged with committing sex crimes at Vt. home

Copyright 2021 WCAX. All rights reserved.