Vermont prosecutors have asked the Legislature to consider impeachment proceedings against a county attorney after an investigation found he harassed and discriminated against employees.
An independent investigation has found the multiple allegations made by employees about Franklin County State’s Attorney John Lavoie to be credible and substantiated, the State Department’s Executive Director of Prosecutors and Sheriffs said Tuesday. Vermont at a press conference at Statehouse.
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There is credible evidence that Lavoie mistreated employees through repeated discriminatory comments and actions, including derogatory references to national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability and body composition, a the ministry said in a statement.
The Vermont legislature has been asked to remove a county prosecutor over allegations of harassment and discrimination. (FoxNews)
“In addition, at least two cases of unwanted physical contact, not of a sexual nature, have been substantiated,” the department said.
Lavoie has worked in the office for years and was elected state’s attorney in November. The ministry became aware of the allegations in March and opened an investigation. Its executive committee twice asked Lavoie to resign, but he refused, the ministry said.
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After the press conference, which Lavoie attended, he acknowledged the journalists’ inappropriate humor but denied any unwanted physical contact or racist comments. He said he apologized to staff and others and did not believe his actions warranted his resignation.
“If I thought anyone found my language or comments offensive, I would have stopped and apologized,” Lavoie said.
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“I guess I have to apologize for suddenly being out of step with the times,” he said.
FoxNews