MONTPELIER — Embattled Vermont Corrections Commissioner Mike Touchette has resigned.
Mike Smith, secretary of the state Agency of Human Services, said late Wednesday morning that Touchette stepped down as corrections commissioner and asked to return to classified service in state government.
Smith said that Touchette informed him of his decision late Monday afternoon.
Asked why the news wasn’t released earlier this week regarding Touchette’s decision, Smith replied, “I had other things to do.”
He added, “I wanted to make sure I was available for press calls. I wouldn’t have been yesterday.”
VtDigger had repeatedly emailed Touchette on Tuesday to discuss several matters and never received a response.
A phone message and email seeking comment from Touchette were not returned by Wednesday afternoon.
Touchette’s resignation comes as turmoil surrounds the Corrections Department he oversees.
The move follows a report earlier this month in Seven Days about the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility in South Burlington, the state’s only prison for women.
That report detailed allegations of sexual abuse and drug use by guards at the prison.
Also, on Friday, the top two leaders of the Newport facility were placed on administrative leave after Touchette said a “credible report was made that warrants further assessment.”
Asked if Touchette provided a reason for stepping down as corrections commissioner, Smith said, “I think it really took a toll on him, everything that was being said about him on social media, or messages that he was getting.”
Smith added, “He’s a human being and it was taking a toll.”
Smith said he also has called for an “independent, external investigation” into the department as allegations swirl of misconduct and retaliation among staff and supervisors.
The agency secretary said he is still working to determine the scope of that investigation, adding that it will be “thorough and look deeply into the department and its operations.”
Smith said he expects that investigation to start within the next few weeks and be done within 120 days.
He said Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Judy Henkin will step in as acting corrections commissioner.
Smith added that he hoped to announce in the “near future” an interim commissioner to lead the Corrections Department and oversee it during the process of the independent investigation.
But he said he hasn’t made a decision on whether that interim commissioner would come from within or outside the department.
“My preference would be outside Corrections,” he said. “I just think it looks like maybe it’s more independent during this time frame.”
In an email to AHS staff on Wednesday, Smith wrote that he is also working on other recommendations to the governor regarding the department.
“That report will be delivered by the end of this week,” he added. “After reviewing that material with the Governor, I will update you on that information as well.”
Exactly what position Touchette will be returning to in state government is not yet clear. Smith said that will likely be decided by the state Department of Human Resources.