MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The Vermont Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by Franklin County’s sheriff over his law enforcement decertification.
The Vermont Criminal Justice Council last year voted to strip Franklin County Sheriff John Grismore of his ability to perform policing duties in Vermont because they said he violated the state’s use of force policy. It stems from an August 2022 incident — prior to Grismore’s election — where the then-captain was caught on surveillance video using his foot to force Jeremy Burrows, a detainee in handcuffs, to sit down.
Although prosecutors last month dismissed the charges after a second mistrial, the council’s action still stands.
In his appeal, Grismore did not challenge the council’s conclusion that he engaged in unprofessional conduct but rather said that his prosecution before the council created an impression of bias.