I chose to withdraw my notice to contest the civil suspension because hindsight showed me that it was best for myself and for my community. 

I steadfastly maintain that I was not under the influence when I went to the scene of a crime after being invited by law enforcement. I look forward to being judged by my fellow citizens at a trial in this matter in the future. 

My overall message to the community is that it is always a better course to cooperate with law enforcement. We, as Vermonters have the right to refuse to submit to evidentiary testing, but there are sanctions associated with a refusal — such as a license suspension. I am willing to accept that sanction. 

This suspension will not impact my ability to act as State’s Attorney in any way. I intend to maintain my office in a successful and prolific manner as I’ve done the last year and a half while in office. In fact, my office has conducted four jury trials. I personally prosecuted and secured a conviction against a serial child rapist who was found guilty after trial of two counts of sexual assault of a child. My office also secured a felony burglary conviction against another defendant. 

I am also proud to have recently launched a pre-charge program with the help of Addison County Restorative Justice (ACRJS). This program will allow law enforcement to use their discretion and send low-level cases directly to ACRJS and by-pass my office and the court entirely. I’m pleased to say that the program was put together with the consultation and cooperation of the Addison County Chiefs, State Police and the Sheriff’s Office. 

My office has — and will continue to be — fully operational, despite the challenge of understaffing. A new deputy prosecutor is slated to begin in September. 

Eva Vekos

Addison County State’s Attorney