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Windham County Sheriff Confesses, Resigns

Newfane, Vermont - June 23, 2006

Sheila Prue was still the Windham Sheriff when she arrived at the courthouse. But less than an hour later she resigned after she pled guilty to three criminal charges.

"So as to these charges embezzlement larceny and neglect of duty what are your pleas?," asked the judge.

"Guilty your honor," said Prue.

The guilty plea was the final chapter in a saga that began last summer when State Auditor Randy Brock investigated complaints that Prue was using public funds for her own use.

His audit found more than $60,000 in questionable expenses for her own use.

But today under a plea agreement she admitted to embezzlement of $36,000, misdemeanor larceny for spending $2,000 dollars for a vacation, and misdemeanor neglect of duty using two departmental air conditioners for her home.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, all record of the felony goes away if she pays back the money.

"She may or may not have a felony record. She has five years to pay back about $26,000. If she does that, that record will be expunged," said Cindy Maguire, Vt. Asst. Attorney General.

After the hearing Prue read a statement accepting responsibility for what she called mistakes caused by listening to bad advice.

"I'm relieved that it's over for the community and the department and for my family," said Prue.  "Accepting responsibility means learning from your mistakes. It is not always appropriate to rely on the advice of peers. I learned that. Unlike other political figures, I'm willing to admit that I've made mistakes and do something about it because it is better for the department, it is better for the county."

She accepted responsibility but Prue and her lawyer stuck by earlier accusations that Auditor Randy Brock, a Republican, singled her out because Prue is a Democrat, a woman, and a lesbian.

"As I said, the auditor's report clearly shows similar activity by other sheriffs. Can I tell you what the auditor's true motivation was? No. Does it look suspect? In some cases, he selected out this officer? Yes," said Tina Buehler, Prue's lawyer.  

When asked if she felt the same as her lawyer, Prue said, "I do. Yes."

It appears the former sheriff is going to repay the $26,000 restitution very quickly and get rid of her felony record. Her lawyer has confirmed that an anonymous donor has already provided a cashier's check for the full amount that is to be used to pay the sheriff's debt.

As for the future, Prue says she has already been in touch with friends about securing a new job here in the Brattleboro area.

Maguire says the state is allowing Prue to expunge her felony conviction because they wanted to get Prue out of office.

Prue is the second Vermont sheriff convicted of a felony in the last two years. Washington County Sheriff Donald Edson pleaded guilty to a felony fraud charge and resigned his post.

Brian Joyce - Channel 3 News