Vermont Sheriff Grismore Faces Possible Impeachment and Loss of Law Enforcement Certification

The Vermont Sheriff's Association held a press conference at the Statehouse on Monday, calling for Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore to immediately resign. This comes after the Vermont Criminal Justice Council voted last week that Grismore should permanently lose his ability to enforce the law due to his violation of the state's use of force policy. The council's decision was a result of Grismore kicking a shackled prisoner, an act that was captured on video.

While the sheriff's association was urging Grismore to step down, a special legislative committee was formed to investigate his possible impeachment. Grismore is expected to testify before the committee on Wednesday afternoon. Windham County Sheriff Mark Anderson, president of the association, emphasized the need for new leadership to rebuild public confidence and move Franklin County forward.

Grismore, however, has repeatedly defended his actions and pleaded not guilty to a simple assault charge last year. Anderson criticized Grismore's lack of remorse and his refusal to consider alternative resolutions. Grismore's attorney did not offer immediate comment when reached for a response.

Although Grismore will remain in his position as sheriff, he has lost his law enforcement certification. This means that he can no longer issue tickets, make arrests, or investigate crimes. Grismore has indicated that he plans to appeal this decision. It is worth noting that he was elected sheriff in November of last year, despite being fired from a previous position as a captain in the Franklin County Sheriff's Department after the video of him kicking a shackled prisoner surfaced.

In addition to the loss of his law enforcement certification, Grismore is also facing an investigation by a special committee of the Vermont Legislature, which was formed to look into his possible impeachment. The committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to further examine the allegations against him.

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council's vote to strip Grismore of his ability to enforce the law and the subsequent call for his resignation by the sheriff's association highlight the seriousness of the allegations against the sheriff. As the investigation proceeds, the hope is that it will not only hold Grismore accountable for his actions but also serve as a deterrent for other law enforcement officers who may consider engaging in similar conduct.