WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vergennes Police Chief Faces More Charges

Vergennes Police Chief Faces More Charges

Vergennes, Vermont - August 7, 2009

A police chief already accused of DUI will now face a slew of other charges including embezzlement. Vergennes Police Chief Michael Lowe now has two upcoming court dates. These new charges come on the heels of a car crash and ongoing concerns from those close to the chief that he may struggle with addiction.

A fender-bender back in June began a five-week investigation into Chief Lowe's conduct. The chief is accused of driving under the influence after hitting a parked car with his police cruiser while he was off-duty. Sources say toxicology reports indicate prescription drugs were found in his system. We'll know what medication authorities found when Lowe is arraigned on Monday, and if other substances were also detected.

Prosecutors say he is expected to plead not guilty but he won't be there himself. Lowe's lawyer will be there to represent him.

"We should encourage him to get better and I look forward to him back in town here," Vergennes resident Rich Chaput told WCAX News on July 14.

After the DUI charge Vergennes residents and local business owners, who stand by the chief, said it's widely known that Lowe has a prescription drug addiction that developed following an injury and he is now seeking help. That is NOT confirmed.

"Knowing Mike from his work in Vergennes and on a personal level I am totally in support of him and whatever rehabilitation he is undergoing," business owner Betsy Vick said on July 14.

Vergennes Mayor Mike Daniels told WCAX News last month that some residents approached City Hall concerned about the chief's possible addiction prior to the crash.

"We did do some checking into it and could not back it," the mayor said.

And now-- new allegations. The Attorney General's office says Chief Lowe faces several other charges; embezzlement by a public official, neglect of duty, possession of a depressant, stimulant or narcotic drug, and two counts of obtaining a prescription by fraud or deceit. The AG's office will not comment further until charges are filed. Right now he's been cited into court.

It's unclear if these new allegations turned up during the investigation into that crash or if the state had been looking into this before the accident-- the Attorney General's office won't say yet.

The arraignment on the DUI charge is this coming Monday. Lowe was cited into court on the embezzlement, prescription fraud and other charges on August 24.

Right now Chief Lowe remains on administrative leave.

Darren Perron - WCAX News