State Medical Examiner Placed on Leave, Faces Hearing

Vermont Chief Medical Examiner Steven Shapiro has been placed on paid leave. State officials offered no explanation for the move other than a statement saying it was "unrelated to medical practice."

Through his lawyer, Brooks McArthur, Shapiro denied any wrongdoing. McArthur issued a statement Friday that said Shapiro had expressed his displeasure with staff members over a serious "internal procedural error." As a result, one or more staffers filed a complaint with the Vermont Human Services Agency alleging that Shapiro created "a hostile or intimidating work environment," according to McArthur.

The public should understand that "this investigation and the allegations against him do not have any nexus to criminal activity nor involve any conduct of a sexual nature," McArthur's statement reads. "Dr. Shapiro will respect the investigative process and he looks forward to getting back to work."

Deputy Medical Examiner Elizabeth Bundock is handling some of Shapiro's responsibilities in the meantime. Shapiro went out on leave Tuesday.

Read more: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2018/01/12/state-medical-examiner-placed-on-leave-faces-hearing