Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced that Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) Superintendent Michaela Merrill was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation of misconduct.
Per State policy, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) will conduct an independent investigation into the allegation. Per Department protocol and Vermont statute, DOC’s Corrections Investigative Unit (CIU) will review the Springfield facility’s compliance with Department policy and procedures.
SSCF Assistant Superintendent Dave Bovat will serve as Acting Superintendent pending the investigation’s completion.
Superintendent Merrill, appointed in December 2023, joined the Department in April 2003 as a Corrections Officer. She has since held the role of Corrections Officer II, Interim Assistant Superintendent at Northern State Correctional Facility, Interim Superintendent at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, and Assistant Superintendent at SSCF.
“Given our responsibility to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, we have an obligation to uphold the integrity of our system for Vermonters,” said Nicholas Deml, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. “That is why Vermont law and State policy require any and all allegations of misconduct be immediately referred to the Department of Human Resources. We are committed to upholding these standards to ensure the well-being of our staff and those in our care.”
7.17.2025. Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections
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