Photo: Vermont State Police
Three Vermont State Police troopers recently resigned after all three were found to have "varying roles" in creating fake COVID vaccine cards.
The department confirmed Shawn Sommers and Raymond Witkowski both resigned on August 10 after colleagues raised concerns about the incidents, while David Pfindel resigned on September 3 after an investigation into the incidents was launched, CBS Boston reports.
An FBI investigation into the incident is also underway as the troopers may have violated federal laws by creating fake COVID vaccine cards.
“The accusations in this case involve an extraordinary level of misconduct — a criminal violation of the law — and I could not be more upset and disappointed,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, via CBS Boston. “If these allegations are proved to be true, it is reprehensible that state troopers would manipulate vaccination cards in the midst of a pandemic, when being vaccinated is one of the most important steps anyone can take to keep their community safe from COVID-19.”
Birmingham said he was "embarrassed this situation has occurred," adding that the incidents "tarnished the reputation of the Vermont State Police."
State Police believe the department did everything it could to prevent the actions from taking place since the former troopers were reported immediately by colleagues.
“As soon as other troopers became aware of this situation, they raised the allegations internally, and commanders took swift and decisive action to hold these individuals accountable and report this matter to federal authorities,” said Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling.