Vermont lawmakers called for the prosecutor to be charged with harassment and discrimination

Vermont prosecutors have asked that the state legislature consider impeaching a district attorney after an investigation found he harassed and discriminated against employees.

An independent investigation found that several allegations made by staffers against Franklin County District Attorney John Lavoie were credible and substantiated, prosecutors and the Vermont Sheriff’s Executive Director said at a news conference at the Statehouse on Tuesday.

THE VERMONT STATE TROOPERS RESIGN OVER ALLEGED COMMENTS MADE DURING THE GAME SESSIONS

There is credible evidence that Lavoie abused 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.

“In addition, at least two cases of unwelcome physical contact, not of a sexual nature, were substantiated,” the department said.

Lavoie has been with the firm for years and was elected prosecutor in November. The department became aware of the allegations in March and launched an investigation. His executive committee twice asked Lavoie to resign, but he declined, the department said.

VERMONT SHERIFF ASSUMES OFFICE WHILE TWO INQUIRIES OPPOSE

After the press conference that Lavoie attended, he acknowledged inappropriate humor to reporters 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 would find my language or comments offensive, I would have stopped and apologized,” Lavoie said.

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“I guess I have to apologize that I’m suddenly not keeping up with the times,” he said.