**Vermont to Pay $175,000 After Man Charged for Flipping Off Trooper**
ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) — In a significant settlement, Vermont has agreed to pay $175,000 to resolve a lawsuit filed on behalf of Gregory Bombard, a man who faced criminal charges for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Vermont announced the settlement on Wednesday, highlighting a case that underscores the importance of First Amendment rights.
The incident dates back to February 9, 2018, when Trooper Jay Riggen stopped Bombard’s vehicle in St. Albans, suspecting that Bombard had made an obscene gesture towards him. Bombard denied the initial accusation but admitted to cursing and displaying the middle finger after the initial stop concluded. This led to a second stop, during which Bombard was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct. His car was towed, and he was jailed for over an hour before being cited to criminal court. The charge was eventually dismissed.
The ACLU of Vermont filed the lawsuit in 2021, arguing that Bombard’s First Amendment rights were violated through an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest. The lawsuit emphasized that the gesture, while offensive, is protected under the First Amendment as a form of free speech.
The settlement, finalized this month, stipulates that the state will pay Bombard $100,000 and an additional $75,000 to cover legal fees for the ACLU of Vermont and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Hillary Rich, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Vermont, expressed satisfaction with the outcome but stressed that the incident should never have occurred. “Police need to respect everyone’s First Amendment rights — even for things they consider offensive or insulting,” Rich stated.
The Vermont State Police have not commented on the settlement, and the state did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement. Bombard, in a statement provided by the ACLU, expressed hope that the Vermont State Police would train its troopers to avoid silencing criticism or making baseless car stops in the future.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement practices and constitutional rights. The ACLU’s involvement underscores the importance of protecting civil liberties, even in situations where the expression may be deemed offensive. The settlement serves as a reminder that actions taken by law enforcement officers are subject to scrutiny and must align with constitutional protections.
The incident began when Trooper Riggen believed Bombard had shown him the middle finger, leading to the initial traffic stop. Bombard’s subsequent actions, including cursing and making the gesture again, resulted in his arrest. The ACLU argued that these actions, while potentially offensive, did not constitute disorderly conduct and were protected under the First Amendment.
The legal battle that ensued focused on the broader implications of free speech and the limits of police authority. The ACLU’s lawsuit highlighted the need for law enforcement to respect individuals’ rights to express themselves, even in ways that may be considered disrespectful or provocative.
The settlement’s financial terms reflect the seriousness of the constitutional issues at stake. By agreeing to pay $175,000, Vermont acknowledges the importance of upholding First Amendment rights and the potential consequences of violating them. The allocation of funds to cover legal fees also underscores the role of organizations like the ACLU in defending civil liberties.
Bombard’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader conversation about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting individual rights. The outcome of this lawsuit may influence future interactions between law enforcement and the public, encouraging officers to exercise greater caution and respect for constitutional protections.
In his statement, Bombard expressed a desire for systemic change within the Vermont State Police. He hopes that the settlement will lead to improved training and policies that prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This sentiment reflects a broader call for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies.
The Vermont State Police’s decision not to comment on the settlement leaves questions about how the agency will address the issues raised by the lawsuit. However, the financial settlement and the public attention it has garnered may prompt internal reviews and changes in policy.
As this case concludes, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and uphold constitutional rights. The ACLU’s successful defense of Bombard’s First Amendment rights reinforces the principle that free speech, even when offensive, is a fundamental aspect of American democracy. The settlement also highlights the importance of legal advocacy in holding government agencies accountable and ensuring that individual rights are respected.
In summary, Vermont’s agreement to pay $175,000 to settle the lawsuit filed on behalf of Gregory Bombard marks a significant victory for First Amendment rights. The case underscores the importance of protecting free speech, even in situations where the expression may be deemed offensive. The settlement serves as a reminder of the need for law enforcement to respect constitutional protections and the role of legal advocacy in defending civil liberties.
Source: The Associated Press
