Inmate who died had no medications

The state medical examiner has released a cause of death in the case of a 23-year-old woman sho died in the state prison in St. Albans about a day after she started serving a sentence for a probation violation. Police say Ashley Ellis weighed only 87 pounds because she suffered from anorexia. The investigation is not yet complete but the medical examiner ruled the cause of death as complications of anorexia and lack of access to medication. Ellis was reportedly taking Potassium to treat her anorexia. Vt. Corrections Commissioner Andy Pallito says a private health company is responsible for providing health services to Vermont inmates, and that DOC employees were not involved in treating Ellis or providing her medications. Vermont legal expert Cheryl Hanna said liability for the woman's death could fall to the medical service company or the state, depending on the facts. She also said criminal charges are possible pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Third molest charge against Bryer

Police have charged Shaun Bryer after a third alleged sexual abuse victim came forward. Bryer is the 28-year-old Morrisville teacher who was charged earlier this month with sexually assaulting two 14-year-old boys over a number of years. Another 14-year-old boy later told police Bryer put his hand down his pants less than two months ago. A teenage boy witnessed the incident and Bryer was charged yesterday with an additional count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. Bryer was also charged with possession of child pornography. Police found a nude photo and nude videos of the two original victims on Bryer's flash drive. Bryer is currently out on bond.

Plattsburgh State University Gets Ready for Swine Flu

Students at an area university are not being tested for H1N1.


The Press Republican reports that Dr. Kathleen Camelo, who is the director of Plattsburgh State's Center for student Health and Psychological Services says -- quote --“We will see a percentage of different viruses, but H1N1 will probably be the majority of causes for influenza illness.” She says anyone with flu-like symptoms will be considered to have H1N1 or swine flu and will be treated accordingly. She says young people are the focus since they tend to have the virus before symptoms set in and can carry the disease to others. Camelo added that while 90 percent of the deaths from seasonal flu are senior citizens, 90 percent of deaths from H1N1 are probably, as she described them "non seniors".

Growers: Good Crop of Apples This Season

Cool temperatures and plenty of sunshine herald good news for apple growers in Addison County. Those conditions are paving the way for good color on this year’s crop of apples, as well as thick crowds at pick-your-own orchards in the region. Bill Suhr, the owner of Champlain Orchards in Shoreham said quote -- “It’s a very good crop.” He tells the Addison County Independent that many orchardists in the region are reporting similar news. Pickers took to the field last month and will be busy harvesting the county’s apple crop well into October.

Sanders - fed money coming for Vt. teens

Senator Bernie Sanders announced yesterday that $523,000 has been granted to Vermont to keep at-risk teens out of the state's criminal justice system. The money will go to organizations that offer counseling and training to get teens on their feet, and out of trouble. Sanders said the teens aren't getting the attention they need, especially in a recession with families who don't have a whole lot of money.

Franklin County jail to close

Federal immigration detainees will be housed at the Addison County jail in Middlebury when the Franklin County jail closes this week after more than a hundred years of service. Sheriff Robert Norris said the 20-bed jail doesn't meet modern standards for federal detention facilities. The jail lacks the required exercise area and can’t maintain 24-hour medical service for just 20 prisoners. The Sheriff’s Department has housed federal prisoners for about 15 years; most are illegal aliens. There are four full-time detention officers. One has retired and another has applied for a transfer.

Accused baby shaker charged

Thetford police have arrested a man on suspicion of abusing his baby then beating his wife. Police say 26-year-old Jeremy Quillia shook his 1-year-old daughter excessively when she wouldn't stop crying, then squeezed a bottle of milk into the baby's mouth, causing her to gag. When his wife, the baby's mother intervened, police said he punched her in the face repeatedly and threatened her with a knife.
Quillia is charged with aggravated domestic assault and child abuse.