By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First
ST. ALBANS – A Burlington Police officer – one of 3 off-duty city employees caught going upwards to 100 miles per hour on motorcycles in a 35-mph zone in St. Albans last fall – pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of negligent operation, court records show.
Jeffrey Baur, 32, of Swanton admitted his guilt as he was about to go on trial in Vermont Superior Court in St. Albans on Wednesday. The jury had been picked Tuesday.
Judge Alison Arms imposed a $300 fine for the Oct. 19, 2023 incident and Bauer will eventually lose his driver’s license for 30 days.
Franklin County State’s Attorney Bram Kranichfeld said the offer to resolve the case was standard for a first time offender.
Burlington Police Officer Brady McGee, 30, and Burlington Firefighter Joshua Porter, 25, were the other two motorcyclists involved last fall in the reckless driving case, according to Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
It was unclear if Baur is facing discipline at Burlington Police. He started his career at Colchester Police in 2017 before moving to BPD after about two years.
The usual chatty Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad did not respond to multiple requests Wednesday for comment, nor did his full-time public information officer.
The phone at Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s office said no messages were being accepted Wednesday. The Mayor also did not answer her cell phone.
The mayor’s spokesperson, Joe Magee, said late Wednesday afternoon that Baur and McGee were placed on paid administrative leave in December due to what he said was State and Federal Criminal Justice Information Services access requirements.
Magee said firefighter Porter is not on leave.
The three public safety persons were clocked at speeds upwards to 100 miles per hour on Swanton Road in St. Albans and were spotted passing multiple vehicles in a no-passing zone, the sheriff’s department said.
All three Burlington employees had pleaded not guilty initially last December.
Kranichfeld said the reckless driving charges against McGee and Porter are still pending.
This news story will be updated when Police Chief Murad responds to requests for more information.
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