Post by Logan on Apr 22, 2016 22:13:29 GMT -6
BRATTLEBORO >> The state has agreed to a payout of $1.5 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by now-deceased John Grega, who was imprisoned for 17 years after he was found guilty in 1995 in the murder of his wife in Dover.
"The State was prepared to go to trial, especially in light of the compelling evidence of guilt presented at the criminal trial in 1995 and the fact that the new test results did not conclusively establish Mr. Grega's innocence," stated Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell, in a press release announcing the settlement. "But the settlement for this relatively modest amount compared to the State's arguable exposure to over $20 million in damages under the Innocence Protection Act was deemed to be the most prudent course. This settlement is in no way an admission of wrongdoing by the State and does not diminish the thorough and professional investigation and prosecution of this matter to a guilty verdict 20 years ago."
Grega's estate was represented by Ian P. Carleton, of Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C. Carleton said he was disappointed by the Attorney General's characterization of the settlement in his press release.
"The Attorney General doesn't pay more than $15 million to guilty people, so to suggest that this settlement is indicative of anything other than total exoneration is questionable."
Read more: www.benningtonbanner.com/localnews/ci_29802921/grega-lawsuit-dismissed-family-settles-1-5m-from
"The State was prepared to go to trial, especially in light of the compelling evidence of guilt presented at the criminal trial in 1995 and the fact that the new test results did not conclusively establish Mr. Grega's innocence," stated Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell, in a press release announcing the settlement. "But the settlement for this relatively modest amount compared to the State's arguable exposure to over $20 million in damages under the Innocence Protection Act was deemed to be the most prudent course. This settlement is in no way an admission of wrongdoing by the State and does not diminish the thorough and professional investigation and prosecution of this matter to a guilty verdict 20 years ago."
Grega's estate was represented by Ian P. Carleton, of Sheehey Furlong & Behm P.C. Carleton said he was disappointed by the Attorney General's characterization of the settlement in his press release.
"The Attorney General doesn't pay more than $15 million to guilty people, so to suggest that this settlement is indicative of anything other than total exoneration is questionable."
Read more: www.benningtonbanner.com/localnews/ci_29802921/grega-lawsuit-dismissed-family-settles-1-5m-from