Burlington, VT – In a shocking incident, 41-year-old Jeremiah Smith of Burlington, Vermont, has been charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced the charges against Smith on November 5, 2021.
According to court records, on November 3, 2021, Burlington Police received a report of a stolen pickup truck, which had been taken from Pine Street in Burlington. The owner also reported that a 9mm firearm had been in the truck at the time it was stolen. Burlington Police were able to determine the vehicle’s location on Pearl Street in Essex, Vermont, and Essex Police Officers responded to the scene.
As the officers approached the vehicle, Smith, who was the sole occupant, refused to roll down his window or exit the truck despite repeated requests. The responding officer was forced to break the window, and Smith pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the Essex Police Officer. The officer drew his service firearm, backed away from the pickup, and ordered Smith out of the vehicle.
Smith continued to refuse commands and attempted to drive the pickup, which had been remotely disabled. He then exited the truck and began walking away from the officer. Essex officers approached Smith and detained him. While taking him into custody, officers located a Ruger 9mm pistol in Smith’s jacket pocket. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a realistic-looking pistol-style pellet gun from the driver’s side floorboard.
Smith is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law due to a prior felony conviction. If convicted of the charge alleged in the complaint, Smith faces a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The Acting United States Attorney emphasized that the charge in the complaint is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. The case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Defendant: Jeremiah Smith, 41, of Burlington, Vermont
Criminal Charges: Unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
City and State: Burlington, Vermont
Exact Date: November 3, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending, up to 10 years of imprisonment and $250,000 fine
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine
Related Federal Cases
- Jorge Velazquez-Cordova, Unlawful Reentry, Vermont 2021 · New Hampshire
- Noor Mohamed, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Vermont 2024 · New Hampshire
- George W. Smith, Murder, Vermont 1935 · Vermont
- Hannibal Smith, Bank Heist, Vermont 2024 · New Hampshire
- Alanna Rogers, Felony Assault with Firearm, DC 2024 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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