Entrance of Southern State Correctional Facility with barbed wire fencing above.
The Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield seen on Friday, October 25, 2024. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger

The superintendent of Southern State Correctional Facility has returned to her role after a state investigation found a misconduct allegation against her was unfounded. 

Michaela Merrill was placed on leave in July, a standard practice during misconduct investigations. The Vermont Department of Human Resources conducted the investigation, according to a Vermont Department of Corrections press release Tuesday.

Merrill has worked as the Springfield prisonโ€™s superintendent since December 2023. 

โ€œWe are glad to have Superintendent Merrill back at Southern State,โ€ Jon Murad, interim Department of Corrections commissioner, said in the release. โ€œWhile investigations can be difficult, they are an essential tool for accountability and ensuring our staff uphold the highest levels of professionalism and integrity.โ€

VTDigger's state government and politics reporter.