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| State probes prison trade of photos for smokes cigarettes |
| By Bennington Banner |
| Published: 03/29/2004 |
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The Vermont Department of Corrections is investigating allegations that female work crew members traded nude photographs of themselves to a Springfield town employee for cigarettes. The allegations come on the heels of a recent independent report that was critical of the department's handling of three out of seven inmates who died while in custody. Commissioner Steve Gold said he is determined to get to the bottom of these new allegations. "Obviously it is something of great concern, because if there was any extortion involved we have an obligation to keep our inmates safe," Gold said last Wednesday in a phone interview. The commissioner was hesitant to provide any specifics about the allegations, including the nude photographs, because a formal report has not yet been filed with the department, he said. "I haven't seen anything yet, I still only have verbal allegations that exist; nothing yet is in writing, but a camera that was involved in the allegation was found at the Springfield Fire House by our investigator," Gold said. Springfield Fire Chief Ernest Lamphere could not be reached for comment. Since being alerted to the potential misdeed, which he deemed a "top priority" investigation, Gold has deployed a department investigator to meet with Southeast State Correctional Facility officials, who oversee the work crew. Springfield town officials will also be interviewed to find out more about the charges, Gold said. He also plans to employ a private investigator, which the department uses in cases that require an outside investigation, he said. Town officials have been made aware of the allegations, but no action has been taken as of yet, said Mary Hawthorn, Springfield Select Board chairwoman. |
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