[B]ARRE — Washington County State’s Attorney Scott Williams is on leave from his job, the Vermont Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs confirmed Wednesday.
VTDigger had learned Tuesday that Williams was receiving care at The Brattleboro Retreat.
The department issued a statement Wednesday confirming that Williams was on leave as allowed under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act and Vermont’s Parental and Family Leave Act.
“He is expected to return to duty when authorized by his medical provider,” said John Campbell, executive director of the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs.
Citing privacy provisions under the state and federal laws, officials said they could not comment or disclose information related to the reasons for Williams’ leave.
A judge Tuesday quashed a subpoena for Williams to testify at the sentencing of Jody Herring. Herring was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole on four murder convictions.
David Sleigh, Herring’s attorney, had obtained the subpoena.
Williams was one of the first people on the scene in August 2015 when Herring fatally shot Lara Sobel, a state social worker, in a parking lot in Barre. Williams was also the prosecutor who took part in family court proceedings involving Herring’s daughter, according to Sleigh.
Herring also killed three of her own relatives. According to police, she blamed the victims in part for her losing custody of her 9-year-old daughter.
In his statement, Campbell said his department has been meeting with staff members of the Washington County state’s attorney office to determine whether they’ll need additional resources.
Several state’s attorneys from other counties have offered their support and assistance, according to Campbell, adding that the “citizens of Washington County can be assured of proper prosecution of cases.”
Williams became the Washington County state’s attorney in 2015, winning election to the post in November 2014.
