by Guy Page
Chittenden County’s controversial prosecutor will seek re-election next year, Sarah George told WVMT’s Morning Drive Wednesday.
“Are you planning on seeking the Democratic nomination, despite being a Progressive?” a caller asked.
“Yes, I am planning on running next year on the Democratic ticket…. Yes, I am a Democrat,” George replied.
As the interview opened, host Dan Feliciano lost no time asking George about the controversial policy of “catch and release,” in which suspects are not jailed or given the cash bail option but instead are released pending another court appearance.
“It’s just such an archaic term,” George said. “To act as if this is some new thing… the only thing that has changed is that our bail laws have changed. It is harder for judges to impose bail.” She added that “Prosecutors are not responsible for who is or is not released… it is entirely up to a judge.”
But she showed her sympathies are clearly for pre-trial release: “People are entitled to their freedom until the state has proven their guilt,” especially with property crimes. “We have to prioritize who is taking those [pre-trial jail] beds. I will always prioritize people who are charged with committing violent crimes over people who are charged with commiting property crimes.”
She also questioned whether imposing cash bail even keeps suspects off the street. Even in cases involving repeat offenders, cash bail is often posted by non-profits, and the suspect walks free without losing their own cash, she said.
The election will be held in November. In Chittenden County, the state’s attorney is elected every four years. George won re-election unopposed in November, 2022 after easily besting Democrat challenger Ted Kenney (17,907 – 11,045) in an August, 2022 Democrat primary. The primary race was expected by many to be closer due to concerns about growing violent crime, drug abuse and homelessness. Instead, she won every town and city in Chittenden County.