Justin Zayas-Sanchez, Fentanyl Distribution, Vermont 2022

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – A Springfield man has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for distributing fentanyl in Vermont.

According to court records and proceedings, Justin Zayas-Sanchez, 22, sold crack cocaine and ten bags of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the Rutland area on April 14, 2021. He also sold crack to an informant on May 26, 2021 and fentanyl to an informant on July 19, 2021.

Zayas-Sanchez was arrested in November 2021 and has been detained since then. On July 1, 2022, he was sentenced in United States District Court in Burlington, Vermont, to serve 20 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss also ordered Zayas-Sanchez to serve a six-year term of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fair Haven Police Department in the investigation and prosecution of Zayas-Sanchez. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf handled the prosecution for the government. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mary Nerino represented Zayas-Sanchez.

Zayas-Sanchez’s crimes put the lives of many people at risk, and it’s a relief that justice has been served. The efforts of law enforcement agencies in Vermont are crucial in combating the opioid epidemic and keeping our communities safe.

The case is a reminder that the sale and distribution of illicit substances will not be tolerated. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and protect the people of Vermont.

With this sentence, we hope to send a strong message that the consequences of engaging in such activities are severe and will be met with the full force of the law.

The Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Fair Haven Police Department are to be commended for their outstanding work in this case. Their dedication and perseverance are a testament to their commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Defendant: Justin Zayas-Sanchez

Criminal Charges: Distribution of fentanyl

City and State: Springfield, Massachusetts

Exact Date: July 1, 2022 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: 20 months in prison, six-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment

Dollar Amounts: $100

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