Vermont settles $175k lawsuit over 2018 arrest for giving middle finger to state trooper.

Vermont paid $175,000 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a man who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018. Gregory Bombard's First Amendment rights were allegedly violated in an unnecessary traffic stop and retaliatory arrest. The settlement includes $100,000 to Bombard and $75,000 to the ACLU of Vermont and the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression for legal fees.