Assessment of Burlington Police Finds Serious Deficiencies, Supports Smaller Force

By Courtney Lamdin on September 15, 2021 at 6:20PM

The recommendation is similar to the “community control board” model proposed by council Progressives late last year. The plan would have given the panel the ability to investigate and punish officers for misconduct.

Man Fatally Shot by Rutland Cop in a McDonald's Was Holding a Cellphone

By Sasha Goldstein on September 9, 2021 at 2:56PM

Seven Days has not independently confirmed any of these statements. A police press release issued the day after the shooting described the scene as inside the McDonald's and said that "an altercation ensued between Mansilla and Cpl. Rose, at which time the officer discharged his duty weapon."

ACLU Accuses Burlington Officials of Running a 'Campaign of Misinformation'

By Colin Flanders on September 9, 2021 at 2:35PM

There’s also no documented connection between police funding and crime rates on the national level, the attorney said. “Data has shown, however, that an increased police presence harms people and communities in significant ways — disproportionately communities of color — with negligible impacts on violent crime.”

Burlington Paramedics to Keep Race Data After Black Teen Is Given Ketamine

By Courtney Lamdin on August 30, 2021 at 8:51PM

Burlington Fire Chief Steven Locke said he began combing ketamine data after the police commission received its complaint about the incident. A use-of-force report reviewed by commissioners in June says police were called to the teen's home after he allegedly robbed a convenience store of hundreds of vape pens while armed with a mallet and blade.

Driver of Scorched Tesla Indicted for Stealing Five Cars

By Derek Brouwer on August 27, 2021 at 5:59PM

He then submitted an insurance claim for the loss, but failed to show up for an "examination under oath" in which he was required to bring the certificate of ownership. His claim was denied.

Stenger Admits to Felony Charge in Plea Deal Over EB-5 Scandal

By Derek Brouwer on August 13, 2021 at 4:03PM

"Since this whole issue erupted, I've spent every day that I could trying to help Newport through the trials that it's going through — through community development meetings, through supporting the schools and other economic development initiatives," a visibly emotional Stenger told reporters. "I live there.

Burlington Councilors Reject Plea to Boost Police Ranks Despite Dire Claims

By Derek Brouwer on August 10, 2021 at 2:39AM

"We are going to still need police for many of these calls," she said. "Please re-fund our police department."

Winooski Cleaner Charged With Scamming COVID-19 Business Relief Program

By Derek Brouwer on August 9, 2021 at 6:09PM

Federal prosecutors in Vermont say Duffy's loan application to North Country Federal Credit Union contained forged tax documents, utility records and more. The application said Night Owl had more than $7.3 million in gross revenue in 2019 — far more than the true figure of $79,669.

Burlington Police Commission Recommends Raising Roster Cap

By Colin Flanders on August 2, 2021 at 10:06PM

While all six commissioners present for Monday's meeting ultimately supported Seguino's resolution, at least one did so reluctantly: Melo Grant, who voted against making the same recommendation earlier this year because she wanted the city to wait for the upcoming consultant's study. Explaining her change of heart, Grant cited the attrition figures and said that the study's arrival has been delayed several months.

Vermont Gun Importer Sued After Its Rifle Was Used in Mass Shooting

By Derek Brouwer on July 30, 2021 at 2:34PM