three Vermont state troopers below federal investigation for creating false COVID-19 vaccination playing cards

On area: September 7, 2021

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Three Vermont state troopers are beneath federal investigation for their alleged involvement in a fake COVID-19 vaccination card scheme, the Vermont State Police pointed out in a statement Tuesday.

The men, who had been identified as Shawn Sommers, Raymond Witkowski and David Pfindel, are suspected of having various roles within the advent of the fraudulent cards.

Sommers and Witkowski resigned their posts on Aug. 10, sooner or later after an additional trooper raised considerations with supervisors about their behavior, police observed. Pfindel resigned on Sept. 3, following an investigation through the department of Public safeguard.

more: Feds warn of alarming upward push in studies of fake vaccine cards bought and used

"The accusations during this case involve an fantastic stage of misconduct — a criminal violation of the law — and that i couldn't be more upset and disenchanted," Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, referred to. "If these allegations are proved to be proper, it's reprehensible that state troopers would manipulate vaccination cards in the midst of a virulent disease, when being vaccinated is likely one of the most essential steps any one can take to retain their community secure from COVID-19."

© Paul Ratje/Reuters FILE Vaccination cards are pictured at a rural coronavirus disorder (COVID-19) vaccination website in Columbus, New Mexico, U.S., April 16, 2021. REUTERS/Paul Ratje/File picture

As soon as state police supervisors found about the former troopers' alleged movements, they observed they instantly reported the allegations to federal legislation enforcement.

"i'm embarrassed that this situation has befell and recognize that it has tarnished the attractiveness of the Vermont State Police," Birmingham continued. "That stated, the alleged criminal habits from these troopers does not represent the values and moves of the dedicated guys and girls of the Vermont State Police."

In August, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott introduced that some state personnel who work with vulnerable people would be required to get vaccinated, however is unclear if the State Police are in that category.

extra: VT state troopers accused in fake vaccine card scheme resign

The state police have referred the be counted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. attorney's office in Burlington. An investigation with the aid of the FBI is underway, and in consequence, police had been unable to unencumber guidance about the incident ahead of Tuesday's remark.

"Sommers and Witkowski both joined the Vermont State Police in July 2016 and had been assigned to box stations following their graduation from the Vermont Police Academy in January 2017," police said in their observation. "Pfindel become employed in January 2014 and assigned to the St. Albans Barracks. He transferred to Shaftsbury in February 2016, grew to be a detective trooper with the Bureau of criminal Investigations in July 2016, and returned to work as a highway trooper in April 2020."

© Paul Ratje/Reuters