Vermont prison inmate with virus asks judge to release him

A Vermont prison inmate who has COVID-19 is asking a federal judge to order his release or to order an emergency hearing on his case.

In federal court documents filed Friday, Randy Sheltra’s attorney argued the prison is not equipped to treat inmates with the virus or prevent its spread among the staff and inmates.

Sheltra, 58, is awaiting trial on federal charges that he tried to entice a minor for unlawful sexual activity. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for August.

Court records show that Magistrate Judge John Conroy asked federal prosecutors to respond to Sheltra’s request by Wednesday. Prosecutors declined to comment.

Sheltra has severe allergies and a history of asthma, which could make his recovery from COVID-19 more difficult, according to his filing. If released, he would be able to stay at a home he owns in Alburgh and a relative would oversee his care.

“It would be unfortunate if Randy’s condition were to worsen at this stage in the proceedings when there are reasonable alternatives available to protect him,” the filing said.

Sheltra’s attorney, Mark Kaplan, did not return a call Tuesday seeking comment.

Kaplan’s Friday filing said Sheltra was being held in isolation at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, but by Tuesday, the Vermont Corrections Department reported Sheltra was being held at the Northeast Correctional Complex in St. Johnsbury.

Last week, the department reported that 32 inmates at the St. Albans prison had tested positive for COVID-19 and that 28 had been moved to St. Johnsbury.

The St. Albans prison was placed on lockdown to try to prevent the further spread of the virus.

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RECOVERY TASK FORCE

Vermont Got. Phil Scott says he has created a task force to help Vermont recover from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Economic Mitigation & Recovery Task Force will provide technical assistance for the recovery. It is made up of job creators, community leaders and business representatives from each region of the state.

“These individuals are willing to roll up their sleeves and lend their vast expertise and skill to increase the capacity of our state response as we take on the significant challenge of restarting our economy in the weeks and months ahead,” Scott said in a statement issued by his office.

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NATIONAL GUARD

The Burlington City Council is asking Gov. Phil Scott to halt the Vermont Air National Guard’s training flights in their F-35 fighter aircraft during the outbreak while Vermonters are staying home.

On Monday, the council passed a nonbinding resolution 11-1 in favor of the request.

Progressive Councilor Perri Freeman, who sponsored the resolution, said her biggest concern is that more people are being exposed to the noise now that everyone is required to stay at home.

She said she has heard from concerned citizens who say they’re distressed and anxious about the noise since the stay-at-home order began.

Vermont National Guard spokesman Capt. Mikel Arcovith said the F-35 flights are part of the Air Guard’s federal mission.

“We must continue training for readiness essential to respond to local and global defense,” he said.

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ELECTIVE SURGERIES

The University of Vermont Health Network, which includes hospitals and other care facilities in Vermont and parts of upstate New York, is extending its suspension of elective surgeries and procedures at least through May 15 so health care professionals can continue their efforts to reduce the virus’s spread.

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NUMBERS

On Tuesday, the Vermont Health Department reported the state had more than 750 cases of COVID-19 and 29 deaths. But Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine has said the number of new Vermont cases is getting smaller.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.