Christopher Mesick, Gun Offenses, Vermont 2020

A 38-year-old man from Jeffersonville, Vermont, has been charged with two federal firearm offenses, according to a press release from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.

Christopher Mesick was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 14, 2020, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

Mesick, a convicted felon, was arrested on January 13, 2020, and is currently being detained. He waived his appearance at his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy and his defense attorney entered pleas of not guilty on his behalf.

According to a federal criminal complaint, on January 5, 2020, Vermont State Police troopers conducted a welfare check on Mesick at his residence on Main Street in Jeffersonville. During the interaction, Mesick made several threatening comments and was handcuffed for his safety and the safety of the troopers.

One of the troopers observed four rifles in the living room, including three AR-15 style rifles with bayonets attached. Mesick is a convicted felon by virtue of a 2017 conviction for aggravated assault.

On January 13, 2020, VSP executed a state search warrant at Mesick’s residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered approximately 16 firearms, including several AR-15 and AK-style assault rifles, as well as cases of ammunition, body armor, and a few ounces of marijuana.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Mesick faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. He also faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine if he is convicted of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police, ATF, and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Fuller. Christopher Mesick is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/jeffersonville-man-charged-two-federal-firearm-offenses