Interim Suspension Of State’s Attorney
The Vermont Supreme Court ordered an immediate interim suspension of a state’s attorney
As set forth in the petition for immediate interim suspension, in late January 2024, Disciplinary Counsel learned of respondent’s arrest for operating or attempting to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). He obtained a copy of a press release from the Vermont State Police (VSP) summarizing the alleged circumstances that led to respondent’s DUI arrest and citation. Disciplinary Counsel determined that respondent’s alleged actions with respect to her DUI arrest, if true, could constitute attorney misconduct under the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct, and he opened an investigation.
Respondent obtained counsel, who said he would file a response
On February 1, 2024, Disciplinary Counsel became aware that respondent had emailed a number of high-ranking Vermont law enforcement officers. The email stated, in part, that respondent would no longer personally meet with them in the course of her duties as State’s Attorney “because [she] no longer feel[s] safe around law enforcement.”. Disciplinary Counsel later obtained and reviewed a copy of respondent’s email correspondence with these law enforcement officers.
She was charged with DUI
On February 15th, Disciplinary Counsel learned that Attorney Sleigh had issued a press release on respondent’s behalf stating that respondent was now on “medical leave” from her position as Addison County State’s Attorney. Attorney Sleigh was quoted as stating that “[w]e think it’s a public interest that [respondent] is stepping away for a while.” He indicated that respondent would return to the job when “fully grounded” and “up to the task.” Disciplinary Counsel emailed Attorney Sleigh to request that in the submission due on February 15, respondent also discuss “the reasons/causes, nature and expected duration of [her] medical leave” and further that counsel provide a copy of the press release referenced above. Attorney Sleigh responded that he would not have time to do so and would comply by February 23.
Disciplinary Counsel sought an interim suspension which the court imposed
We reach a similar conclusion. Both practicing attorneys and those seeking admission to the Vermont Bar have a responsibility to comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct, including Rule 8.1. The requirement is not a hypertechnical one. As set forth above, it plays a critical role in allowing Disciplinary Counsel to fulfill his duties and in ensuring that those who practice law are fit to do so. We conclude that the evidence here warrants the immediate interim suspension of respondent’s license to practice law.
Addison County Independent reported
Alexander, disciplinary counsel for the Vermont Professional Responsibility Board, began investigating Vekos after learning she’d been arrested on a DUI charge after arriving at a homicide scene in Bridport the night of Jan. 25.
Vekos was taken to the state police barracks in New Haven, where she refused to provide a court-approved breath test. She also wouldn’t submit to having her fingerprints and mugshot taken, police said. Vekos pleaded not guilty in Vermont Superior Court in Middlebury on Feb. 12.
(Mike Frisch)