Former county attorney’s documents refute Sullivan grand jury report

MONTICELLO- The tragic death of 16-month-old Akasha Luvert from a fentanyl overdose not only shocked the small Sullivan County community of Liberty but also sparked a dispute between then Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty and then County Attorney Michael McGuire over whether or not county officials could have done more to prevent her death.

Luvert’s mother, 26-year-old Lisa Keitt, and father, 41-year-old Jimmy Luvert, were both charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child following her death.

Before the tragedy, the family was under the supervision of the county’s Child Protective Services (CPS) and according to documents, had been visited by CPS workers just hours before her death.

Following Luvert’s death, on May 18, 2023, Conaty held a news conference where he accused McGuire of failing to protect Luvert.

“I learned that CPS questioned the removal of these children on three separate occasions and when CPS brought these concerns to their legal branch, the county attorney’s office, the county attorney himself, Mike McGuire, refused to institute removal proceedings as requested,” Conaty said.  “It was further learned under his regime he created a culture of widespread apathy that has discouraged the workers from bringing forth appropriate requests to remove children.”

Days later, on May 25, 2023, McGuire held a news conference of his own, refuting Conaty’s accusations and noting that members of the DSS had an obligation under the law to remove the children and place them in protective custody, regardless of what he or his office may think.

“Mr. Conaty’s comments were callous, misleading and demonstrate a level of poise and demeanor incongruent with one who seeks to hold the office of district attorney in this or any county,” said McGuire.  “I am compelled however to respond to the reckless and disgraceful comments by Brian Conaty last week in which he attempted to politicize the death of an 18-month-old…