COLCHESTER — A police dispatcher is facing charges for allegedly paying a woman for sex and sharing information with her about an ongoing federal investigation.
The charges were filed this week in Chittenden County Superior Court, and Earl Benway, 41, of Milton, is scheduled to appear in court on October 10, according to state police. He is accused of obstruction of justice and prohibited acts.
The Burlington Police Department first discovered Benway’s alleged misconduct and notified the Colchester Police Department on September 13, according to a statement from Colchester Police Chief Jennifer Morrison.
Morrison said she immediately launched an internal affairs investigation and notified the Vermont State Police. Benway was placed on paid administrative leave September 15.
“The facts and circumstances of the situation were fairly straightforward, and we were able to complete our internal investigation quickly,” Morrison said.
That resulted in Benway’s leave being changed to unpaid on September 21, according to the chief’s statement. Benway, who has worked as a dispatcher in Colchester since 2001, was fired by the town manager the following day.
Morrison said no one else employed by Colchester police is implicated in the investigation.
State police said they wouldn’t be providing any further information on the federal investigation Benway is accused of obstructing.
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