Chief Medical Examiner Shapiro on paid leave pending investigation

Vermont Chief Medical Examiner Steven Shapiro is on paid leave pending a Department of Human Resources investigation, the Health Department and the doctor's lawyer disclosed Friday.

Ben Truman, the Health Department's spokesman, released a one-line statement that said the investigation was "unrelated to medical practice."

Truman said Shapiro's paid leave began Tuesday, but that he wasn't at liberty to say more.

A lawyer for Shapiro, Brooks McArthur, acknowledged the investigation but said in a statement that the doctor did not act improperly.

"Dr. Shapiro unequivocally denies any wrong doing," McArthur said. "The Human Resources investigation was initiated after a complaint was made to the Agency of Human Services alleging that Dr. Shapiro had created a hostile/intimidating work environment after he communicated his displeasure with other individuals working in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after Dr. Shapiro became aware that a serious internal procedural error had occurred. 

"It is very important that the public understand that this investigation and the allegations against him do not have any nexus to criminal activity nor involve any conduct of a sexual nature," the statement continued. "Dr. Shapiro will respect the investigative process and he looks forward to getting back to work."

Shapiro, as chief medical examiner, conducts autopsies in homicides and other suspicious deaths in Vermont. He also gives testimony regarding his findings during trials.

Public records show that he is Vermont's highest-paid employee, earning nearly $200,000 a year.