Dennis Martin, Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon, Vermont 2023

Dennis Martin, 42, of Colchester, Vermont, has been convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court records, Martin’s wife reported ongoing domestic abuse perpetrated by Martin on February 17, 2019. On February 18, 2019, Martin’s mother-in-law reported that she had received a Snapchat video from Martin in which he brandished a firearm and made threatening statements. Martin was subsequently convicted in Vermont Superior Court of misdemeanor domestic assault and disorderly conduct by phone and was sentenced to 363 to 364 days of jail.

On June 22, 2021, Martin allegedly brandished a firearm in the area of Franklin Square in Burlington, Vermont. Martin turned himself in to Burlington Police on June 29, 2021. On July 1, 2021, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) obtained a federal criminal complaint charging Martin with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Martin was subsequently indicted by the federal grand jury, and on August 20, 2021, Martin was ordered detained pending trial.

On February 9, 2023, the trial jury returned a verdict of guilty, finding that on February 18, 2019, Martin had knowingly possessed the Ruger model LCP .380 caliber pistol while knowing that he had a prior conviction for a crime punishable for more than one year. Martin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years, and up to a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the ATF, the Colchester Police Department, and the Vermont State Police in the investigation and prosecution of Martin. The prosecution of Martin was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt, Corinne M. Smith, and Wendy L. Fuller. Martin was represented by Michelle Anderson Barth, Esq.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

The defendant/respondent is currently detained pending sentencing.

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