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Press Releases

Attorney General Donovan’s Statement on the Governor’s Veto of the Global Warming Solutions Act

Date
September 15, 2020

“Climate change is real, and it is already affecting our state. The Global Warming Solutions Act, recently passed by the Vermont Legislature, tells government: When it comes to climate change, do your job. I testified in favor of this bill because it requires concrete climate action by certain deadlines. And it creates government accountability by allowing Vermonters to bring a citizen lawsuit if government fails to meet those requirements.

Attorney General Wins Significant Victory in Clearview AI Lawsuit

Date
September 11, 2020

Contact: Ryan Kriger, Assistant Attorney General, (802) 828-3171

Court Denies Facial Recognition Company’s Motion to Dismiss

Attorney General T.J. Donovan has prevailed on a motion to dismiss filed by Clearview AI in the lawsuit to stop the facial recognition company from collecting and selling images of Vermonters. The Court’s ruling means the case, which was filed in April, may now move forward. The case is pending in Chittenden Superior Court, Civil Division.

Call to Action: Racial Disparities Panel Urges Lawmakers to Act on Panel’s Recommendations

Date
September 1, 2020

Today, Dr. Etan Nasreddin-Longo, chair of the Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice System Advisory Panel, along with Panel members, Executive Director of Racial Equity Xusana Davis, and Attorney General T.J. Donovan urged the Legislature to take further action to address racial disparities and systemic bias in Vermont.

South Burlington Man Arraigned for Aggravated Sexual Assault

Date
August 27, 2020

Contact: Charity R. Clark, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that Cory Johnson, 34, of South Burlington, Vermont, was arraigned earlier this week on one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault. The charges brought against Mr. Johnson are the result of multiple criminal investigations conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), including personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, and the University of Vermont Police Services.

Woodstock Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

Date
July 30, 2020

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that Matthew Vince, 42, of Woodstock, Vermont, was arraigned today on six felony and two misdemeanor counts of possession of child pornography.  This morning, members of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, the Vermont State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations, executed a residential search warrant and arrested Mr. Vince pursuant to an investigation that originated with the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Burlington Man Arrested for Possession & Promotion of Child Pornography

Date
July 28, 2020

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that Jake Sallerson, 31, of Burlington, Vermont, was arraigned today on three felony counts of promotion of child pornography and three felony counts of possession of child pornography. Mr. Sallerson was arrested after law enforcement executed online and residential search warrants and discovered images of child pornography.

Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Unit is Conducting a Request for Proposals for Mediator Services

Date
July 2, 2020

RFP for AGO Civil Rights Mediator Services

The Vermont Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Unit is conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Mediator Services.  The RFP is available through the State of Vermont Office of Purchasing and Contracting at: http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/pca/bids/bids.php (MEDIATION SERVICES). 

 

Former St. Albans Police Officer Cited for Simple Assault

Date
June 30, 2020

Contact: Charity R. Clark, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171

Earlier today (June 29, 2020), a citation was issued to former St. Albans police officer Joel Daugreihl, 34. The charge is a misdemeanor charge for Simple Assault in violation of Title 13 V.S.A. § 1023(a)(1), which carries a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and/or a $1,000.00 fine. An arraignment has been scheduled for June 30, 2020, at 1:00 pm. The arraignment will be held by telephone at the Franklin Criminal Division of the Vermont Superior Court.

Attorney General Donovan Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Date
June 15, 2020

Contact: Charity R. Clark, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171

Today, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. “Supporting and protecting older Vermonters is a priority for my office,” said Attorney General T.J. Donovan. “We encourage all Vermonters to share in this effort, particularly as so many older Vermonters remain isolated due to COVID-19.”

Attorney General Donovan’s Statement on Senate Government Operations Committee’s Suggestions for Law Enforcement

Date
June 11, 2020

As the Vermont Senate considers criminal justice reform measures, the Senate Government Operations Committee has compiled a list of potential measures to consider. My office is expected to testify on these measures tomorrow in the Committee. We will testify that it is time for Vermont to act. Here is what we will be advocating for:

Policies

Governor Scott and Attorney General Donovan Come Together to Issue Statements on Vermont’s Peaceful Protests

Date
June 4, 2020

“Protests have been an important part of our democracy, driving change throughout our history. The peaceful protests we’ve seen in Vermont are an important outlet for our communities to express their sadness, anger and frustrations, and to call for change. This is a critical moment in our history, and it is our responsibility, as public servants, to listen and allow for these protests to safely continue. I thank Vermonters for their commitment to protecting each other, both through the change we are trying to seek and how we are seeking it.” – Governor Phil Scott

Randolph Man Arrested for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Promotion of Child Pornography & Voyeurism

Date
May 21, 2020

Contact: Domenica Padula, Chief, Criminal Division, 802-828-3171

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced today that Michael Hartigan of Randolph, Vermont, was arraigned on May 14, 2020, on two felony counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, two felony counts of Promotion of Child Pornography, and two misdemeanor counts of Voyeurism. Mr. Hartigan pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Orange Criminal Division. The Court, Judge Thomas A. Zonay presiding, ordered him held him without bail.

Defending the ACA, Advocating for Small Businesses, & Calling for the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act

Date
May 8, 2020

Actions taken by the AG Donovan during the week of May 4 – May 8

Contact: Charity R. Clark, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171

The Attorney General’s Office has been hard at work for Vermont this week. “My office’s mission and dedication to protecting Vermonters remain steadfast in these unprecedented times,” said Attorney General T.J. Donovan. “We will continue to do our part in the COVID-19 pandemic. Vermont will get through this together.” Here are some of the actions taken by the Attorney General’s Office during the week of May 4 to May 8, 2020:

Attorney General Donovan to FCC: Keep Vermonters Connected

Date
April 29, 2020

Coalition Requests Telecomm Industry Continue to Cancel Shut-Offs for Nonpayment

Contact: Charity R. Clark, Chief of Staff, 802-828-3171

Attorney General T.J. Donovan has joined a group of attorneys general in urging the telecommunications industry to make further commitments to protect consumers who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 and in calling upon the FCC for support.

Statement On 50th Anniversary of Earth Day by Attorney General Donovan

Date
April 22, 2020

Contact: Rob McDougall, Chief, Environmental Division, 802-828-3172

Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan released the following statement for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day:

“Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day being celebrated around the globe. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of two important environmental laws: the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Vermont’s very own Act 250.

Attorney General Sues to Stop Price-Gouging Scheme

Date
April 14, 2020

Contact: Christopher J. Curtis, Chief, Public Protection Division, 802-828-3171

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced that he filed a lawsuit and motion for preliminary injunction to stop a price-gouging scheme involving surgical masks. The State of Vermont alleges Big Brother Security Programs, whose primary business is to own and operate public and private transportation, and its owner Shelley Palmer of Williston, Vermont, imported surgical masks that cost 10 cents each and re-sold them to Central Vermont Medical Center for $2.50 each; for at least a 500 percent mark-up.

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