Representative Accused Former Attorney of Deception
Vermont Representative Martin Lalonde claims candidate John Lavoie misled an impeachment panel regarding his conduct.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Corruption
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Vermont State Representative Martin Lalonde has accused independent candidate John Lavoie of deceiving an impeachment panel that investigated his tenure. Lavoie previously resigned as Franklin County state's attorney following an inquiry into allegations of abusive behavior toward his staff.
Why it matters
The accusations challenge the integrity of a candidate seeking to return to his former role as the top prosecutor in Franklin County. The testimony from Representative Lalonde raises significant questions about Lavoie's fitness for office following his 2023 departure from the position.
A 2023 investigation conducted by a law firm for the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs preceded the impeachment efforts against John Lavoie. The inquiry focused on reports of abusive and offensive behavior toward employees within the Franklin County office.
The players
Martin Lalonde
Martin Lalonde is a Vermont State Representative who served as the chair of the committee tasked with investigating impeachment allegations.
John Lavoie
John Lavoie is a former Franklin County state's attorney who is currently running as an independent candidate for the same position.
The details
Representative Martin Lalonde chaired the committee that drafted articles of impeachment against John Lavoie before he resigned from office. Lavoie is now running as an independent candidate, prompting the latest public confrontation regarding his past conduct and the accuracy of his defense during the state probe.
Timeline
The Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs launched an investigation into John Lavoie in 2023.
Representative Martin Lalonde made his claims regarding deception on September 22, 2026.
Legal Context
The accusations by Representative Martin Lalonde extend the scrutiny surrounding the 2023 Vermont impeachment inquiry into John Lavoie. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding professional standards and transparency for elected law enforcement officials in the state.
Voters in Franklin County must weigh these allegations of past deception against the candidate's platform as the election approaches. Residents concerned about the office's leadership and professional culture may look for further clarifications from the candidates during the campaign.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to review the public record regarding the 2023 impeachment investigation before casting their ballots for state's attorney. Understanding the findings of official legislative inquiries provides essential context for evaluating candidates for public office.
Further reading
For more on local government integrity, see our Corruption coverage.
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Should a candidate's past behavior during official inquiries affect your trust in their current campaign?
