The head of Southern State Correctional Facility was placed on leave “pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation of misconduct,” the Vermont Department of Corrections announced Thursday.
During the investigation, the Springfield prison’s Assistant Superintendent Dave Bovat will serve in an acting capacity while Michaela Merrill, the superintendent, is on leave.
The previous superintendent, Mike Lyon, was similarly placed on leave for alleged misconduct in April 2023. But an investigation determined the allegation was unfounded, according to the Department of Corrections. Lyon returned to the post the following month and retired that August.
“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,” Nick Deml, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections, said in a press release.
Per state policy, the Vermont Department of Human Resources will conduct an investigation. According to department protocol, the corrections’ investigative unit will also “review the facility’s compliance with Department policy and procedures.”
