Sen. Ed FlanaganBurlington, Vermont - August 18, 2009
Police tell WCAX News they have now opened a criminal investigation into allegations against Chittenden County State Senator Ed Flanagan.
Burlington resident Tiki Archambeau filed a criminal complaint alleging he saw Flanagan performing a lewd sexual act inside the Burlington YMCA last month. The Chittenden County State's Attorney will decide whether to file charges after police finish their investigation.
Former state's attorney Norman Blais says the case is a tough one for prosecutors because they must establish probable cause using little evidence, while also determining whether the case is worth pursuing in light of the brain injury Flanagan suffered in 2005.
"Even if the evidence of proof is strong enough, are there other factors? The fact this is a person that's not had any problems with the law before, that there's some health issues that might be involved, I think that's going to be the tougher question for the state's attorney, rather than did the alleged events occur," Blais said.
Tiki Archambeau declined to comment on why he waited until this week to file the complaint, but says the allegations are not politically motivated. Flanagan is a Democrat running for Lt. Governor. Archambeau is the former chair of the Burlington Progressive Party.
Keagan Harsha - WCAX News
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