Vermont prosecutors have asked that the Legislature consider impeachment proceedings

Vermont prosecutors have asked that the Legislature consider impeachment proceedings against a county prosecutor after an investigation found that he harassed and discriminated against employees. Franklin County State’s Attorney John Lavoie investigations were credible and substantiated, said the Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ executive director at a Statehouse press conference on Tuesday. 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, the department said in a statement. Lavoie was elected state’s attorney in November. The department became aware of the allegations in March and started an investigation. Its executive committee has asked Lavoie to resign twice but he has refused, the department said.