Carl Martin, Cocaine Sales and Firearms Offense, Vermont 2019

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Cocaine Sales and Firearms Offense in Vermont

Carl Martin, 34, and Mirnes Julardzija, 33, have been charged in connection with cocaine sales and firearms offenses in Vermont.

According to a federal criminal complaint filed today, Martin sold cocaine to an undercover agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in September 2019. The complaint further alleges that Martin subsequently traded cocaine to the undercover agent in exchange for a semiautomatic pistol in October 2019.

A separate federal criminal complaint alleges that Julardzija aided and abetted Martin’s September 2019 cocaine sale to the undercover agent.

Martin faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a minimum sentence of five years, and up to a $250,000 fine if convicted of possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He also faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted of distributing cocaine.

Julardzija also faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted of distributing cocaine.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaints are merely accusations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.

United States Attorney Christina Nolan commended the investigative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize combatting gun and violent crime in connection with the drug trade. The mix of drugs and guns creates grave public safety risks, particularly where, as here, it occurs in areas of high pedestrian foot traffic,” Nolan stated.

Burlington Police Chief Brandon Del Pozo commented: “Allegedly trading cocaine for a firearm is the type of behavior that makes Vermont a more dangerous place on several levels. We’re grateful for a partnership with ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that protects Vermonters from these dangers.”

Defendant Information:

Carl Martin, 34, of Vermont, has been charged with possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and distributing cocaine. Martin was arrested on October 23, 2019 and is currently being held pending detention and probable cause hearings on October 28, 2019.

Mirnes Julardzija, 33, of Vermont, has been charged with aiding and abetting a cocaine sale and distributing cocaine. Julardzija was released pending a probable cause hearing on November 12, 2019.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/two-charged-connection-cocaine-sales-and-firearms-offense