Police, Prosecutors Reviewing Flanagan Charges 

Burlington Police this afternoon confirmed to Seven Days that they have largely completed their investigation of Democratic State Sen. Ed Flanagan, and are beginning to review the case with state prosecutors.

Burlington Police Chief Michael Shirling did not know how long the review could take, but did confirm that the case is now under review.

Police confirmed August 18 that Flanagan, a Chittenden County Senator, was under criminal investigation for allegedly masturbating in front ofpatrons in the Men’s Wellness Center at the Greater Burlington YMCA.

“Fair Game” first reportedthe incident last month, when YMCA member Tiki Archambeau filed acomplaint about Flanagan with Y officials. “Fair Game” also talked toother patrons who had witnessed bizarre behavior on Flanagan’s part.The former state auditor has denied the charges, but apologized for anything he did while naked that may have been misconstrued by others.

A formal complaint about Flanagan’s behavior was filed August 14 with Burlington police.

Contacted by Seven Days, Archambeau said he had spoken to an investigator from the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigation on August 18. He declined to elaborate on the nature of the CUSI investigation.

Flanagan’smembership was suspended during the Y’s investigation. Flanagan said heplans to find another gym and never return to the Y. Numerous calls tothe senator about the criminal probe were not returned by late thisafternoon.

The YMCA has declined to say publicly whether it hascompleted its investigation — nor will it share any details when theinquiry is over. According to one former employee, some YMCA officials had been made aware of Flanagan's behavior.

Some observers believe that Flanagan may still be struggling from the traumatic braininjury he suffered in 2005 — an injury that some fear may be affecting his judgment.

Flanagan did not return phone calls to his home.