BURLINGTON, VT – John Grandizio, 39, of Wallingford, Vermont, is facing serious federal charges after a recent investigation uncovered a disturbing stockpile of firearms and illegal weapon components. Grandizio was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2023, charged with knowingly possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction.
The case began to unravel on August 1, 2023, when Grandizio was initially arrested on a separate federal firearms charge. Authorities say that earlier in April 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted two packages originating from China, addressed to Grandizio’s post office box. These parcels contained devices that could be, or were already, illegally modified firearm silencers. During his August 1st arrest, Grandizio was found to be in possession of a loaded brown Glock 19 handgun, triggering the current indictment.
But the Glock was just the tip of the iceberg. A subsequent search of Grandizio’s Wallingford residence, along with the home of his girlfriend, revealed a staggering collection: approximately 23 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators from Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked jointly on the case, piecing together the evidence that led to the indictment.
Federal prosecutors are now building their case against Grandizio, who remains detained pending further legal proceedings. His next court date is scheduled for August 15, 2023. If convicted of knowingly possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, Grandizio faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined in accordance with Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the collaborative investigative work, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in combating gun violence. This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships. The program emphasizes building trust with communities and supporting local organizations dedicated to violence prevention.
Grandizio is being represented by attorney Matthew Hart, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher is prosecuting the case. While the indictment alleges criminal activity, Grandizio is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system.
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