A deputy for a Sheriff’s office in Vermont, who is running for the position of Sheriff, has been fired after video footage came out of him kicking a detainee in the stomach and groin earlier this month.
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In the video, released by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a shirtless male, who was detained for trespassing, can be seen with his wrists cuffed behind his back. Two other officers appear to be trying to restrain his movements. Captain John Grismore, who is not in uniform, comes into view and kicks the detainee multiple times, forcing him to sit down.
The detainee stands back up, and allegedly calls Grismore a homophobic insult. The captain appears to kick him this time in the groin.
In a statement, the deputy’s actions last August 7 were called “egregious” by Franklyn County Sheriff Roger Langevin. He said that the incident was reported to him by other deputies in the office. “I am proud of our deputies’ actions and integrity in coming forward with this information,” he said.
Grismore was reportedly running as a Republican to replace Langevin as Sheriff. He was the lone candidate in the primary. Langevin has since withdrawn his initial support for him.
After the arrest video came into light, both Republicans and Democrats have expressed their wish for Grismore’s name to be removed from the November ballot.
Zack Weight, the Republican candidate for Franklin County’s state attorney, condemned the alleged assault and said, “It sets a bad tone.”
Incumbent Franklin County deputy state’s attorney, and Weight’s opponent, also said he thought Grismore should withdraw.
“Additionally, I have filed the incident with the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council … and they may institute sanctions including revocation of law enforcement certification,” Langevin further disclosed.
Vermont State Police already launched a criminal investigation into the video’s contents.
Langevin refused to comment on the investigation, but said that Captain Grismore’s actions “do not reflect the values and high standards of conduct and performance that I expect from my staff each and every day.”