Vermont Business Magazine Attorney General Thomas J Donovan announced today that his Office has reviewed the police-involved shooting incident that occurred on January 2, 2018, in St Albans. The AG said in a press release that he is declining to prosecute St Albans police officers Corporal Michael Malinowski and Corporal Jason Lawton for charges related to discharging their firearms at Jack Laplant. In reaching this decision, the AG reviewed all the materials provided by the Vermont State Police, who conducted the investigation.
Franklin County State’s Attorney Jim Hughes has also conducted an independent review and declines to file criminal charges against Corporal Malinowski and Corporal Lawton.
Jack Laplant is currently facing criminal charges for his conduct during this incident. To ensure Laplant’s right to a fair trial and in accordance with the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct, neither the Attorney General’s Office nor the Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office will, at this time, comment further on the specific findings of their reviews.
The offices can release additional information related to their decisions if and when the criminal charges pending against Laplant are resolved.
Source: AG 3.16.2018