Morgan True
Seattle
Public defense investigator. Former journalist and comms person. Pickup basketball journeyman.
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Articles by Morgan True
Welch urges Republicans to avoid government shutdown, fund Planned Parenthood
SOUTH BURLINGTON — Peter Welch says he’s concerned that in two weeks a group of congressmen he describes as the “radical wing” of the Republican Party will once again trigger a government shutdown. This time the brinksmanship is over federal funding for the women’s health nonprofit Planned Parenthood. A group of 28 Republican House members say they will seek to block the passage of any budget bill that includes money for Planned Parenthood.
Shumlin credits reforms for drop in inmate population
SOUTH BURLINGTON — Vermont’s prison population decreased by more than 17 percent in the past four years from 2,103 people incarcerated in 2011 to 1,734 currently, according to state officials. Gov. Peter Shumlin says that decrease is the result of a more “rational” approach to criminal justice adopted by his administration, a policy that focuses on diverting nonviolent offenders into drug treatment and other programs that don’t lead to incarceration.
Updated: McAllister files for re-election as sex assault trial nears
State Sen. Norm McAllister, who faces a trial next month on sexual assault charges, has filed his paperwork to run for re-election. The Franklin County court operations manager, Jim Pelkey, said McAllister dropped off his paperwork around 10:30 a.m. Monday with at least the 100 signatures of county residents needed to get on the Aug. 9 primary ballot. McAllister was arrested outside the Statehouse at the end of the 2015 legislative session.
Burlington hospital network spends $1.75 million on for-profit device company
BURLINGTON — A University of Vermont Health Network subsidiary bought a for-profit medical device company last month for $1 million. UVM Health Network Ventures, Inc., also committed another $750,000 in a direct loan to Yankee Medical for working capital and business growth. Ventures purchased Burlington-based Yankee Medical, which has been in financial trouble, on Nov. 10. Hospital officials announced the deal last week, more than a month after the agreement was finalized.
City settles with tenant claiming eviction for calling police too often
BURLINGTON — The city will pay $30,000 and revise its ordinances in order to settle a lawsuit filed by a city resident who said he was evicted from his Church Street apartment for calling police too frequently. Joseph Montagno sued Burlington in 2016 alleging that the city violated his rights by tracking his 911 calls and encouraging his landlord to evict him if calls from Montagno and his fellow tenants did not decrease.
GOP recommends Brock, two newcomers to Scott for Senate pick
Franklin County Republicans put forward three names for Gov. Phil Scott to consider in appointing someone to the Senate seat Dustin Degree vacated earlier this year. Randy Brock, a former holder of the seat, is one of those recommended. The other two are political neophytes with military backgrounds. Rep. Brian Savage, R-Swanton, said in a news release that the Franklin Senatorial District Committee, which he chairs, had forwarded the names. Degree recently took a job in the Scott administration.
Wake Robin ricin suspect to be arraigned Friday in federal court
BURLINGTON — A woman accused of trying to poison neighbors in her Shelburne retirement community remains in custody and will be arraigned in federal court Friday. Betty Miller, 70, was indicted last week on a single felony charge of knowingly possessing “an unregistered select agent, namely ricin.” She allegedly refined the highly toxic substance from castor beans growing at Wake Robin, where she lived. The charge carries a maximum of five years in jail.
Burlington police search for missing woman
BURLINGTON — Police are searching for a city woman whose family reported her missing Wednesday night, and officials are asking for the public’s help. Patricia Rooney, 57, was last seen at her Fletcher Place residence at roughly 10:30 p.m. Police said Rooney has a history of depression and was struggling recently, according to a news release. Officials said she left her home sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning, presumably on foot, leaving behind her coat, cell phone and car.
U.S. attorney: 'Safe injection' sites likely to bring federal charges
BURLINGTON — The incoming U.S. attorney for Vermont issued a strongly worded statement Wednesday suggesting her office would prosecute and seize the assets of anyone operating safe injection facilities in its jurisdiction. The statement came in response to a commission report from the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, local police, medical professionals and social service providers endorsing the use of safe spaces for people to inject heroin or consume other opiates.
Scott approves updated ethics code addressing sexual misconduct
Gov. Phil Scott signed an executive order last week updating the code of ethics for the executive branch of Vermont state government, requiring his appointees to prevent workplace sexual harassment among other changes. The order follows in the wake of numerous revelations this year about widespread workplace sexual harassment in the public and private sector and an apparent shift in attitudes toward sexual misconduct.
MyWebGrocer announces layoffs at Winooski offices
WINOOSKI — Tech firm MyWebGrocer is laying off 18 of its Vermont employees as part of a restructuring process it says will help to meet its customers’ needs. MyWebGrocer, located in the Old Woolen Mill building, provides online support to grocery businesses. It said in a statement Tuesday that the restructuring is company-wide and comes in response to changes in the digital grocery market. The company has 315 employees in the United States, Canada, Ireland and England.
Railroad prevails in road salt storage dispute with Shelburne
BURLINGTON — A federal judge has ruled Shelburne can’t enforce a town ordinance that likely would have shut down Vermont Railway’s operation that takes road salt from trains and loads it onto trucks for distribution around Vermont. U.S. District Judge William Sessions issued an order last week that permanently blocks enforcement.
Former Maple Leaf psychologist denies harassment claims - VTDigger
A psychologist who was recently fired by the state is denying allegations contained in charges brought against him by the Office of Professional Regulation. Investigators for OPR allege that Dr. Charles Simonds created a hostile environment at his previous workplace through a pattern of intimidation, verbal abuse and sexual harassment.
Fox News says FBI’s Burlington College probe ongoing - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — The federal probe into a 2010 land deal orchestrated by former Burlington College president Jane Sanders, wife of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., may still be ongoing, a news report suggests. Sanders was forced out as president of Burlington College the following year, but she has vehemently denied any impropriety in how she conducted the $10 million purchase of a 33-acre lakefront property.
Scott continues to express concern over Republican tax plan - VTDigger
Gov. Phil Scott continues to express trepidation about the Republican tax overhaul being pushed through Congress, but Vermont’s top tax official says, at least in the short-term, the Senate version would be a net income tax cut for most Vermonters.
Vermont Supreme Court paves way for ‘de facto’ parents - VTDigger
A Vermont Supreme Court ruling will allow a woman to seek shared custody of a girl she had been raising with her former partner, who sought to keep the woman out of the child’s life. The two Chittenden County women had jointly chosen to raise the child together, but for legal and logistical reasons, only one woman was the legally adoptive parent. After they split up, the legally adoptive parent sought to block her ex’s relationship with the child, according to the ruling.
Scott’s choice for Green Mountain Care Board could spark rule change - VTDigger
Gov. Phil Scott’s appointment of a former government finance official to the state’s health care regulatory board is prompting pushback and may lead to new rules on its membership. Scott recently installed Tom Pelham, a former independent state representative who served in four administrations, to fill an opening on the five-member Green Mountain Care Board.
UVM to sell South Burlington land for $3M - VTDigger
The University of Vermont is selling 44 acres of open space in South Burlington for $3 million to developer Frank von Turkovich, who plans to build as many as 176 housing units there. The university has said it’s selling the land in order to make strategic investments in its continued growth. The housing is to be built by Spear & Swift Associates, a company von Turkovich formed for the development. The name is a reference to the land’s location between Spear and Swift streets.
FBI: Woman tried to poison residents at Wake Robin - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A woman is facing a federal charge after investigators discovered the poison ricin in her home at her Shelburne retirement community on Monday. Betty Miller, who lived in the Wake Robin retirement community, is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District court Friday afternoon. She is charged with knowingly possessing an unregistered biological agent.
UVM hospital settles claims it discriminated against deaf patients - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — The University of Vermont Medical Center has settled with the U.S. attorney for Vermont over allegations the hospital failed to communicate effectively with deaf patients, violating the Americans With Disabilities Act. The settlement follows multiple complaints on behalf of four deaf patients that Vermont Legal Aid had filed with the U.S. Department of Justice or the Vermont Human Rights Commission since 2010.
South Burlington teenager pleads guilty in racist graffiti case - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A recent South Burlington High School graduate pleaded guilty Wednesday to two misdemeanors for painting racist graffiti targeting a black student. Tyler Austin, 19, was originally charged with felony unlawful mischief and misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct with a hate crime enhancement. He could have faced a maximum of seven years in prison if convicted.
Plea deal expected in South Burlington racist graffiti case - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A South Burlington teenager is expected to reach a plea agreement in a hate crime case involving racist graffiti discovered over the summer at South Burlington High School, prosecutors say. Tyler Austin, 19, was charged with felony unlawful mischief in August for allegedly spray painting graffiti on the school’s athletic field that attacked fellow student Isaiah Hines, using a derogatory racial term for black people, according to court documents.
Leahy touts ‘key victories’ in appropriations bill - VTDigger
A federal appropriations bill released Monday includes money to bolster Lake Champlain cleanup and other conservation efforts, as well as improvements to historic downtowns across the state, according to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. The money is part of an Appropriations Committee bill on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, for the 2018 fiscal year, which began in October. House and Senate versions now must be reconciled in negotiations before going to the full Senate for a vote.
OneCare paying for clinician at senior housing developments - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — An industry group representing the majority of health care providers in Vermont is trying a different way of getting care for substance abuse or mental illness to older Vermonters. The industry group, OneCare Vermont, is paying to place a clinician in two affordable senior housing developments in the Burlington area. OneCare is an accountable care organization created by the University of Vermont Medical Center and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Teen who threatened South Burlington schools back in jail - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A teenager who pleaded guilty to making a series of escalating threats against students and classmates at South Burlington High School in April is back in custody for violating the conditions of his release. The messages included threats of killings with guns and knives, and one contained a “murder list” with names of students and teachers. They led to three days of lockdowns at the high school and a one-day cancellation of classes districtwide.
Former Maple Leaf clinician faces sexual harassment charges - VTDigger
A psychologist recently hired by the state created a hostile environment at his previous workplace through a pattern of intimidation, verbal abuse and sexual harassment, according to charges leveled by the Office of Professional Regulation. Dr. Charles Sprague Simonds was the clinical director for Maple Leaf Treatment Associates Inc., from May 2016 until the company closed unexpectedly in February, leaving state officials scrambling to fill the void left in drug treatment services.
Degree leaving Senate for administration post - VTDigger
Sen. Dustin Degree, R-Franklin County, is resigning his seat to take a job with Gov. Phil Scott’s administration. Degree will assume the title of special assistant to the governor and executive director of workforce expansion. The appointment will make Degree part of a “bipartisan duo” of former lawmakers tasked with coordinating and strengthening “initiatives to expand the size of Vermont’s workforce,” according to a statement by the governor.
Judge sets timeline in Toensing records requests - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A superior court judge set a timeline Wednesday for the Vermont Attorney General’s office to conduct a search in a pitched public records battle involving GOP Vice Chair Brady Toensing. Attorney General TJ Donovan will have until Nov. 29 to search the private email accounts of four current employees and to set a process for a similar search of five former employees.
Patients scramble after addiction doc surrenders license
MORRISVILLE — Caitlin Salem, a 31-year-old mother in recovery from opiate addiction, got a nasty surprise when she went to see her substance abuse counselor last week. The counselor informed her that Dr. Paul Bertocci, who has treated her addiction for close to two years, surrendered his medical license following what appears to be an investigation by the Board of Medical Practice. As a result, Salem was not able to get her buprenorphine that day.
Vermont Attorney General says Maple Leaf Treatment Center overbilled Medicaid $860,000
BURLINGTON — The attorney general’s office says that the now defunct drug treatment provider Maple Leaf Treatment Associates Inc. overbilled Vermont’s Medicaid program by $860,000. Maple Leaf in Underhill operated one of the oldest and best respected inpatient addiction treatment programs until it closed abruptly in February, leaving state officials scrambling to fill a treatment vacuum in the midst of an opiate crisis.
First lady of ND visits Vermont to learn about drug treatment system - VTDigger
SOUTH BURLINGTON — The first lady of North Dakota is in Vermont this week to learn about the state’s response to the opioid crisis. Kathryn Helgaas Burgum has taken on addiction prevention and treatment in her state since marrying North Dakota’s Republican Gov. Doug Burgum last year. She has spoken publicly about her own recovery from alcoholism, which includes 15 years of sobriety.
State hired former Maple Leaf psychologist, despite harassment allegations - VTDigger
ESSEX — The state-run Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center hired a psychologist as its clinical chief who was the subject of harassment allegations in his previous role with Maple Leaf Treatment Associates, Inc., records show. Dr. Charles Simonds was the clinical director at Maple Leaf until the drug treatment provider unexpectedly closed in February. Several former Maple Leaf employees told VTDigger at the time that Simonds behaved inappropriately with female staff and clients.
Burlington city councilor quits job to cast vote in telecom sale - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — City Councilor Karen Paul, D-Ward 6, has quit her job at an accounting firm in order to cast a vote on the sale of Burlington Telecom next week, according to the city attorney. Paul, a staff accountant at McSoley McCoy & Co., announced at this week’s city council meeting that a “professional conflict of interest” for her came to light over the weekend and she would need to recuse herself from the Burlington Telecom sale process.
Driscoll considering bid for Burlington mayor - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Former state representative and city councilor Carina Driscoll, the stepdaughter of Sen. Bernie Sanders, is strongly considering a run for mayor of Burlington. Driscoll, a Progressive, said many are encouraging her to run against Democrat Miro Weinberger, the current mayor. The election is next March. Weinberger would be seeking his third term. “I would say a decision is imminent,” Driscoll told VTDigger this week. Driscoll has also served in Weinberger’s administration.
New St. Albans drug treatment hub rapidly expanding patient rolls - VTDigger
ST. ALBANS — A long-anticipated opiate treatment hub to serve Franklin County has roughly 235 patients a month after its opening, with more streaming in every day, according to its regional director. Jason Goguen, with BAART Programs, said the clinic is accepting between 10 and 14 new patients daily. The site is capable of serving more than 700 people, but Goguen estimated demand would level off at close to 450.
Sen. Ingram apologizes for DUI, says she will continue to serve - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — State Sen. Debbie Ingram, D-Chittenden, apologized Wednesday for driving under the influence, saying she takes full responsibility for her actions and would like to put the incident behind her. Ingram, 55, was arrested Oct. 12 near her Williston home after leaving the road and crashing her car before continuing on and veering off the road once more, according to police.
New online tool lets public track Burlington efficiency effort - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — One year after launching monthly meetings of department heads to track and analyze performance data, the city is launching a website to share that information with the public. The meetings, known as BTV Stat, follow the model pioneered by agencies like the New York Police Department and cities like Baltimore. Burlington and regional allies have applied the same model to tackling the opioid crisis through the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance.
Recusal prompts city council to delay vote on Burlington Telecom sale - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — The City Council tabled a vote on the selection of a buyer for Burlington Telecom following one councilor’s 11th hour recusal. Councilors were expected to decide between a $30.5 million offer from mobile phone and internet provider Ting and a $12 million offer from the Keep Burlington Telecom Local co-operative. That decision is now likely to be made at a Nov. 6 meeting. City Councilor Karen Paul, D-Ward 5, recused herself, citing a previously undisclosed conflict of interest.
Judge allows Burlington to clear homeless camp - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A federal judge declined to issue a temporary injunction that would block the city from clearing a North Avenue homeless encampment, while a lawsuit challenging the city policy proceeds. The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of three men living in the camp, arguing that the city’s plans to remove the men, and its policy for removing homeless encampments more broadly, criminalizes homelessness and violates the Constitution.
Citibank threatens suit if Burlington Telecom sold to co-op - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — An attorney for Citibank says the bank will sue if the city sells Burlington Telecom to a local co-operative that is one of two finalists seeking to purchase the internet, phone and cable provider. Hours before the City Council is expected vote on a buyer for Burlington Telecom, city officials posted online an email sent Sunday night from Citibank to an attorney working for the city.
Ting and local co-op make final pitches for Burlington Telecom - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — On the eve a of a hotly anticipated City Council vote to select a buyer for Burlington Telecom, both the fiber and mobile company Ting and the Keep Burlington Telecom Local co-op made their final pitches. The two bidders released final letters of intent, which were posted on the Burlington Telecom website Thursday afternoon. The City Council is expected to vote Monday to select a buyer for the fiber internet, phone and cable provider.
Shots fired in Burlington’s Old North End; no injuries reported - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Gunshots struck an Old North End apartment where a mother and child were sleeping early Thursday, but nobody was injured, according to police. Police received multiple reports of gunfire around 3:30 a.m. Officers identified an apartment at 700 Riverside Ave. that was struck numerous times, according to a news release. Inside, police found the mother and child asleep and unharmed. Detectives investigating are pursuing leads, according to the release.
Homeless camp residents get further reprieve from eviction - VTDigger
A federal judge extended a temporary restraining order Wednesday preventing Burlington from evicting three homeless men from their encampment on city land. The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the men and other homeless residents, arguing that the city’s policy and practice of removing such camps on its land is unconstitutional.
Burlington councilors heading to Toronto to visit telecom bidder - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Several city councilors and the mayor’s chief of staff will travel to Toronto this week to visit the headquarters of Ting, one of two remaining bidders for the Burlington Telecom fiber network. The City Council is expected to choose between Ting and the Keep BT Local co-op Monday. The final letters of intent from both bidders are due Wednesday evening. All of the councilors making the trip voted to advance Ting’s bid at the council’s Oct. 16 meeting.
Winooski to make $82,500 payout over man’s shooting by police - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — The city of Winooski will pay $82,500 to resolve a lawsuit brought on behalf of a man wounded in a police shooting in 2013, court records show. Former Winooski police officer Jason Nokes shot Isaac Sage in the thigh in April 2013 after a confrontation in which Nokes and another officer were trying to serve Sage with a no-trespass order. Nokes later pleaded no contest to reckless endangerment.
Richmond chief hospitalized after car chase - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Richmond Police Chief Alan Buck was hospitalized over the weekend following an unspecified medical event that occurred during the pursuit of a burglary suspect, according to State Police. Buck and the Richmond Police Department were among several police agencies that responded Friday to assist in a pursuit that started in Jericho and ended several miles into the woods near Stowe.
Legal foe says Sorrell was stonewalling in deposition over emails - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Attorneys for a conservative legal nonprofit suing Vermont over records say former Attorney General William Sorrell did not comply with a judge’s order during a Monday deposition. “It was very disappointing. The attorney general refused to answer the vast majority of the questions we asked — fully 95 percent of the questions,” said Energy & Environment Legal Institute attorney Matthew Hardin.
ACLU challenges Burlington homeless eviction policy - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is fighting the city of Burlington, claiming its policy for evicting homeless residents from camps on public property is unconstitutional. The class action suit, filed in federal court Friday, currently has three plaintiffs living in a wooded area off of North Avenue behind the former Burlington College, but any homeless resident could join, said Jay Diaz, an ACLU staff attorney.
South Burlington teen pleads guilty in school threats case - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — A South Burlington teenager is unlikely to face prison for making threats to harm or kill students and teachers at his high school after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors this week. Josiah Leach, 19, was arrested in April after a series of escalating threats through a web of email accounts, Facebook and an internet voiceover call. The threats led to three days of lockdowns at the high school and a one-day cancellation of classes districtwide.
Burlington empties homeless camp after resolving property issue - VTDigger
BURLINGTON — Police and city workers cleared a South End homeless encampment Thursday afternoon, despite initial concerns about whether they would be able to store property for its residents. Authorities had said for weeks that they would clear the camp, just off Sears Lane, because of safety concerns reported by nearby residents, including one instance where someone at the camp reportedly pulled a gun.
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