Two state troopers have been placed on paid leave as the Vermont State Police conducts an internal investigation of an off-duty gathering during which state troopers allegedly utilized racist slurs, misogynistic rhetoric and otherwise degrading language.
Vermont State Police spokesperson Adam Silverman on Friday confirmed to VTDigger that Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison placed Troopers Nathan Jensen and Nathan Greco on paid leave on Feb. 15 — nearly a week after VTDigger broke the news of the gathering.
According to Brianna Michel, who was in attendance, four state troopers and their significant others had gathered at one trooper’s house and played the online game Mad Verse City, competing to write the best rap verses.
Game archives reviewed by VTDigger show the players utilized numerous slurs and degrading language targeting people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people and those with intellectual disabilities.
After receiving a report of the event from a constituent, Sen. Nader Hashim, D-Windham — himself a former state trooper — elevated the complaint to officials within the Westminster barracks, and the claim quickly made its way to Morrison, according to internal emails obtained by VTDigger.
Morrison initially declined to open an internal investigation, citing a lack of sufficient information. Two days later, the department said the commissioner had received additional information and launched an investigation.
Silverman declined to say Friday why only two of the four troopers in attendance had been placed on leave.
He said that Jensen and Greco were being paid during the investigation in accordance with state rules and a contract with the Vermont Troopers’ Association.
Silverman declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.