JERICHO, Vt. -
Vermont State Police promised to restore the trust of the people in Jericho Thursday.
Their concern is for years they paid for a state trooper to patrol their town and that he might have not done it.
Sergeant James Deeghan already faces charges for padding his time sheet with bogus overtime and stealing thousands of dollars from taxpayers.
"This is a black eye to the department no question about it," says Captain Dan Troidl, Vermont State Police.
Now investigators are going back years to see if more of Deeghan's timecards are made up, including hundreds of hours that he supposedly patrolled in Jericho.
"We're going to do everything in our power to uncover every cent that is owed to you," say Major Walt Goodell, Vermont State Police
"That was the first question and you have the right answer," says Tim Nulty, Jericho selectboard member.
The Town of Jericho says it paid Deeghan $55,000 over the past three years for traffic duty. They say, during that time, Deeghan claimed to have worked 960 hours.
Police say it could takes weeks, if not months, to figure out how many of Deeghan's hours for patrolling were legitimate.
"20 plus investigators are looking at the last three-years initially," says Goodell.
For proof that Deeghan might have not been working, the town staff says recently money from traffic tickets dropped and they noticed police weren't around as much.
Selectboard member Kim Mercer says she was concerned there wouldn't be pay back for possible bogus work if Deeghan is found not guilty in court.
"We will still see compensation based on what you find on your internal investigation?" asked Mercer.
"We will restore your total confidence in us," says Goodell.
Troopers say from now on they will be keeping a closer on the Jericho patrols and making sure the hours are right.
Deeghan has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
