A 22-year veteran of the Vermont State Police – who resigned after possible time-sheet fraud – is facing charges.
Sergeant Jim Deeghan of Colchester pleaded not guilty Friday to two counts of false swearing.
Prosecutor T.J. Donovan called it a "crime of opportunity," saying Deeghan reported responding to two car crashes and a false alarm but none of the incidents happened.
Last year, Deeghan was paid about $136,000 – about $56,000 more than his base pay – although a trooper can typically expect to make about $30,000 in overtime a year.
Governor Peter Shumlin said this week that a criminal investigation is under way into Deeghan’s alleged actions, as well as an audit to determine if there is a pattern of activity in other areas of the state police.