Vermont Court Says Official Not Immune in $17M Telecom Suit

The Vermont Supreme Court says Burlington’s chief administrative officer is not immune from a civil lawsuit stemming from the management of the city’s troubled municipal telecommunications company.

The high court denied a motion by Jonathan Leopold to be immune from the lawsuit filed by two city residents who want the city to be repaid $17 million Burlington Telecom used in violation of its state license.

The lawsuit claims Leopold concealed the use of public money for Burlington Telecom when he had a duty to disclose it.

In late October, Superior Court Judge Helen Toor rejected Leopold’s motion to dismiss a fraud-and-deceit claim against him. The Burlington Free Press says the Supreme Court upheld that decision.